I have just recently returned from Meanjin Brisbane, where I was your representative at the Ministerial Environment Roundtable (MERT).

The MERT is a great opportunity to unite with conservation groups from all over Queensland to push Minister Scanlon and her department for solutions to the issues our regions are facing. I have never seen our movement so energised and powerful!

I look forward to providing more detailed feedback in future, but for now, I am preparing for two weeks of travel to reconnect with nature - it's important for us all to recharge! 

Thanks as always for supporting NQCC and our work. I really hope you enjoy this edition of Paperbark!

- Crystal

In this edition:

• NQCC Updates:
  
  • Welcome Madde!
  • Take Action for an Independent EPA for Qld
  • Townsville Climate Action 2023 Kick-Off
  • World Wetlands Day at Mundy Creek
  • Protect the Protest
  • Burdekin Basin Governance Seminar
  • First Nations Led Dingo Conservation
• In Other News
  
  • Safeguard Mechansim
  • Public Environment Report available for Upper Burdekin Wind Project 
• Opportunities

NQCC UPDATES

Welcome, Madde!

We are excited to welcome Madeline Price to our Management Committee in the role of Treasurer! You may know Madde from her work with various climate and conservation orgs, including her current work with Move Beyond Coal. We know she will be a valuable asset to our organisation.

Read more about Madde and our other committee members here! 

Join Our Call for an Independent Qld EPA!

NQCC has been advocating for an independent EPA for Queensland, and we might be close to getting one - but now is the time to make noise about it! 

At O-Week Market Day, JCU students told the Qld Premier and Environment Minister what they wanted in an independent EPA - can you do the same?

Townsville Climate Action Kick-Off

Thanks to everyone who was able to join us at NQCC for our Townsville Climate Action 2023 Kick-off! This collaboration with the Move Beyond Coal campaign allowed us to explore opportunities for local action on climate here in Townsville. 

Keep a keen eye on your inbox for future opportunities to get involved with one of our working groups!

World Wetlands Day at Mundy Creek

World Wetlands Day was celebrated by volunteers of all ages at the Mundy Creek Landcare site! This popular event was supported by Townsville City Council, the Northern Suburbs Lions Club and NQCC. 

To volunteer at one of Townsville's many Landcare sites, visit the Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare website!

Protect the Protest

NQCC reps (and our Climate Action Now signs) were in attendance at Amnesty International Townsville's special screening of "Franklin", which aimed to raise awareness about their Protect the Protest campaign. Protests have been crucial to winning many environmental protections and reforms in Australia, and we believe that everyone deserves the right to peaceful protest, without fear of violence or persecution. 

Burdekin Basin Governance Seminar

Last week, the JCU College of Business, Law and Governance hosted a seminar that brought together regional councils, producers, state and federal planners, environmental scientists, social scientists, economists and other researchers to recognise the major challenges for the Burdekin and its management in a rapidly changing world.

The seminar - organised by active NQCC volunteers John Connell and David Cassells - builds upon our work advocating for a whole-of-basin approach to water management, particularly as we enter new planning cycles for the Burdekin Basin Water Plan and the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan. Read the Townsville Bulletin story here (if you are a subscriber). 

 First Nations Leading Dingo Conservation

NQCC representatives Chris, Angela and Eric were privileged to visit Wildlife Surrounds Conservation Centre recently, where the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation was promoting the National Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum being held in September 2023.

The forum provides an opportunity for Aboriginal Rangers, Traditional Owners and Elders to advocate for legislative change, including allowing only non-lethal management of dingoes. We are very happy to see opportunities for First Nations leadership in conservation!

IN OTHER NEWS

Safeguard Mechanism

Demonstrations have been held around Australia to target our biggest polluters ("The Dirty Dozen"). NQCC has signed onto a community response to the proposed Safeguard Mechanism, pushing for it to be strengthened to ensure that polluters pay their fair share.

This important legislation could play a big role in our pathway towards reducing emissions. Want more info on the Safeguard Mechanism and where it's at? Check out this ABC article or this First Dog on the Moon cartoon. 

NQ Renewables Update

There have been some big renewable energy announcements this week for North Queensland.

The transition to clean energy is something we have advocated for over many years, but we know that "boom cycles" can lead to poor environmental practices. We are committed to protecting the climate AND nature (as you can see from our comments in this Cosmos article). 

In related news, the Public Environment Report for the proposed Upper Burdekin Wind Farm has been released, and is open for comment until 5pm Monday 3 April 2023.

Opportunities

Write Letters to the Editor

Would you like to see more climate and conservation letters in our local papers? You could contribute! With the support of experienced letter writers, you can help change the narrative in local publications. Interested? Go here and select "I'd like to write letters to the editor". We'll be in touch with more information!  

Save Coffee Grounds From Landfill

Do you have some free time on Tuesdays or Fridays? Want to help prevent coffee grounds ending up in landfill? Contact David on 0416 662 410 to assist the Smart Coffee Project with deliveries! 

Women's Environmental Leadership Program

Applications are now open for the next Women's Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) program! Register here or share with anyone you think might be interested. 

Thank you for supporting our work for North Queensland's environment! 

Yours naturally,

North Queensland Conservation Council