Volunteer Position Description

Role Title: Policy Research and Analysis Volunteer – Forests & Tree Protection Organisation: Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) Location: Darling Downs region (remote / hybrid options available) Time Commitment: Flexible; approximately 4–8 hours per week Reporting To: DDEC Coordinator / Biodiversity & Planning Campaign Lead Duration: Negotiable (minimum 3-month commitment preferred)

About the Organisation

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) is the peak environmental advocacy organisation for the Darling Downs and South West Queensland. DDEC works to protect forests, woodlands, urban trees, and wildlife habitat through policy advocacy, community engagement, and planning reform across all levels of government.

Forest and tree protection is a core focus of DDEC’s work, including advocacy on vegetation clearing laws, planning schemes, local laws, urban canopy protection, biodiversity offsets, and threatened ecosystem conservation.

Purpose of the Role

The Policy Research and Analysis Volunteer – Forests & Tree Protection will support DDEC’s advocacy by undertaking research and policy analysis related to forest conservation, vegetation management, and tree protection frameworks at local, state, and federal levels. The role contributes directly to submissions, policy positions, campaign materials, and strategic advocacy.

This role is suitable for students, early-career professionals, or experienced practitioners with interests in environmental policy, ecology, planning, law, or land management.

Key Responsibilities

Policy & Legislative Research

Research and analyse forest, vegetation, and tree protection frameworks across:

Local government planning schemes and local laws (e.g. tree protection, overlays, development controls).

Queensland state legislation and policy (e.g. vegetation management, biodiversity conservation, planning).

Federal environmental law and policy (e.g. EPBC Act reforms, threatened species and ecological communities).

Track proposed policy changes, reviews, and consultations relevant to forest and tree protection.

Analysis & Briefing Development

Assess impacts of development, infrastructure, and land-use change on forests, urban trees, and habitat.

Assist in preparing policy briefs, fact sheets, internal briefings, and evidence summaries.

Support the drafting of submissions to planning scheme amendments, development applications, and government consultations.

Campaign & Advocacy Support

Provide research inputs to DDEC campaigns such as Protect Trees Toowoomba and regional vegetation protection initiatives.

Analyse best-practice tree protection and urban canopy policies from other councils and jurisdictions.

Identify policy gaps and opportunities for strengthening forest and tree protection.

Data, Mapping & Evidence Support (as appropriate)

Assist with reviewing ecological data, mapping layers, and publicly available datasets.

Support the synthesis of scientific research into accessible advocacy materials.

Maintain accurate referencing and documentation of sources.

Collaboration & Capacity Building

Work collaboratively with DDEC staff, volunteers, member groups, and allied organisations.

Participate in meetings, training, and community forums where appropriate.

Contribute to shared learning and knowledge-building within DDEC.

Skills and Experience

Essential

Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.

Ability to interpret planning instruments, legislation, and policy documents.

Interest in forest conservation, biodiversity, and tree protection.

Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Alignment with DDEC’s values and environmental objectives.

Desirable

Background or study in environmental science, ecology, planning, law, geography, or public policy.

Familiarity with Queensland vegetation management or local government planning frameworks.

Experience with policy submissions, advocacy, or community campaigns.

Understanding of urban forest, habitat connectivity, or threatened species issues.

What DDEC Offers

Hands-on experience in environmental policy and planning advocacy.

Mentoring from experienced campaigners and policy practitioners.

Opportunities to contribute to high-impact local and regional campaigns.

Flexible volunteering arrangements.

A supportive, collaborative organisational environment.

Outcomes & Impact

Volunteers in this role will help:

Strengthen forest and tree protection policy across multiple levels of government.

Improve environmental and community outcomes in planning and development decisions.

Build regional capacity for evidence-based conservation advocacy.