Paperbark is a monthly communique of current NQCC activities, campaigns, news and events.

Hoping that you find the information provided here informative and actionable! There’s a lot on, not least the Climate Marches well over 2000 of which are being held around the world in advance of the UN Climate Summit in Paris in early December. Look forward to being inspired by the power of the people making a stand, marching, being creative and taking action for our environment and a better, safer and fairer future for all.

Trivia Night – Book now!

Feel like some fun? The infamous (and hilarious) NQCC Trivia Night returns – with new challenges, new formats and guest ‘quizzlers’ Deb and Daina of Magnetic Island Bootcamp fame … prepare to get physical!

Friday 11 December. 7pm for 7:30pm.

Kevin’s Corner Courtcase

Between 19 and 30 October, NQCC was at the Land Court in Brisbane as an objector in the matter of Galilee Coal Pty Ltd v Bruce Bede Currie and others. Galilee Coal Pty Ltd is owned by the Indian GVK Group. We were objecting to the approval of Galilee Coal’s Kevin’s Corner mine, 160 km west of Emerald in the Galilee Basin, by the Queensland Government. Read more on our recent blog post.

Townsville Climate March

What can you do to help us create a different future? Coming out to the Townsville Climate March on Saturday 28 November WILL inspire you and, collectively, we can demonstrate to our ‘leaders’ that Townsville wants stronger climate action. Further details here.

Heads in the Sand – Part 2

Last year, the iconic ‘Heads in the Sand’ image went viral. This year, Magnetic Island’s Cranky Curlew are up to it again and are coordinating Heads in the Sand 2 – and this time it moves! AND you can be part of it! Saturday 28 November, 5:30PM on the beach adjacent strand park (immediately after the Townsville Climate March). More details? See the event on Facebook here.

Movie – ‘This Changes Everything’

What if confronting the climate crisis is the best chance we’ll have to build a better world? Inspired by Naomi Klein’s best selling book.

Following, JCU TropEco’s very well attended mid-November screening of This Changes Everything, with support from Permaculture Townsville and Food Rescue, there are two more screenings occurring in Townsville during December.

Tuesday 1 December, Event Cinemas, 6:30pm. Hosted by NQCC. Facebook event here.

Tuesday 8 December, Courthouse Theatre, 6pm for 6:30pm. By donation. Facebook event here.

Have your say on shark control

The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has applied to continue operating its shark control program in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park waters. The program involves the use of drumlines and/or nets in the Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Capricorn Coast and Gladstone regions. An information package from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is available. Public comment on the application will be accepted until 30 November 2015. NQCC is working with other environmental groups to make a submission, but you can make your own submission and email it to: [email protected]. Background information available here.

GBRMPA permits

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is seeking to improve its permissions system, which is a key tool for managing activities in the Marine Park. GBRMPA is seeking input to help them decide what changes to make to regulations, policies and guidelines. Submit your comments by 18 December 2015.

Petition to Save Old Growth Trees – Mundy Creek Catchment

Local grassroots landcare group Mundy Creek Catchment Care Group is calling for community support for their petition to protect a stand of old growth trees in the northern Townsville suburb of Garbutt. The trees are presently destined to be bull-dozed and replaced by a high density housing development. You can join the push to save these trees by signing the petition. Sign, leave comments and share it to help.

Port Stakeholder Working Group – Toxic dust

Charlie McColl and Wendy Tubman represent NQCC on the Port Stakeholder Working Group (PSWG) formed following findings of high levels of lead-contaminated dust in playgrounds close to the Townsville Port.

Overall, NQCC is pleased to report that the Port Stakeholders Working Group is functioning well.

Key points from the most recent meeting of the PSWG held in late October 2015 can be found here. Further details can be found on the Contaminated Dust page on NQCC’s website.

MUSIC for the REEF 2015 – Event wrapup

North Queensland Conservation Council supporters came together for ‘MUSIC for the REEF 2015’ on Saturday 24 October – an enchanting evening of creativity, community, conservation and conversation. Around 160 people enjoyed the event and around $2500 was raised for NQCC’s Reef Campaigns. There are many people to thank for the successful evening. In particular we thank Aquapella World Music Choir and The Drill Hall Studio & Gallery. A number of people were interested in sourcing the biodynamic wine we had available – see Cape Jaffa Wines. For full rundown on the evening and specific thank-yous, please see our post event review.

Other NQCC News

NQCC Management Committee welcomed Rocco as our new secretary at our November meeting. Rocco is an ‘old’ Islander and currently works for NQ Dry Tropics.

Thank-you….

To the volunteers who assisted at Reef Blitz community stall at Jezzine Barracks on 17 October. To Jesse who is helping out with regular cleaning of our offices. To Sophie Thompson for her tireless efforts with our garden upkeep. To Malcolm Tattersall whose contribution to the website continues to improve NQCC’s communications capabilities. To Lynn Saunders, our volunteer bookkeeper who is featured in the December Duo Magazine – look out for her! And, YOU for your continued engagement and support for and to the campaigns and events promoted by NQCC on behalf of the environment of North Queensland.

JCU Wins Top Sustainability Awards

James Cook University’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised with the University winning two prestigious environment awards. Read more here.

A few quick Festive Season Tips

• Think minimalism, rather than excessive consumption
• Buy local
• Buy ethical
• Consider services over products
• Consider ethical donations for gifts that keep giving
• Minimise food waste
• Avoid single use items and packaging
• Remember the World Vision pop-up shop
• Be a communitarian and inclusive of your community in your celebrations
• Have a peaceful and rejuvenating summer break

Yours naturally,

Wendy, Sandy and the team at NQCC

Copyright © 2015 North Queensland Conservation Council, all rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a member or supporter of the North Queensland Conservation Council.