Decarbonising our energy industry is one of the most effective levers we have here in Australia to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and the faster we do this, the better. This means we need a rapid rollout of renewable energy, and THIS means the construction and installation of a lot of energy infrastructure. So where will all of these materials ultimately end up?

Last month NQCC celebrated a historic milestone. We looked back at 50 years of environmental advocacy in North Queensland and honoured our past with stories, poetry and songs from across the decades. While our environment has always faced challenges, each generation has responded with courage, compassion and fierce determination. It's a privilege to carry on the fight!

Thank you for being with us in our 50th year - whether this is your 50th year as a supporter or your first. Looking forward, you'll find so many opportunities to step up and take action this month.

What do Michelle Dyer (social scientist and stand-up comedian), Liz Downes (2020 Queensland Volunteer of the Year), Les Bandt (the man who invented the ute in 1933), and the Aquapella world music choir all have in common? 

Pictured: Sophie George (Capricorn Conservation Council), Crystal Falknau (NQCC) and Imogen Lindenberg (Mackay Conservation Group) represent their regions at the August 2024 Ministerial Roundtable.

Twice a year, peak bodies from Queensland's conservation movement attend a roundtable meeting with the Environment Minister of the day. As the voice for the environment in North Queensland, this is an important opportunity for us to ensure that our decision-makers truly understand the threats facing nature and biodiversity in our region.

We started July with some exciting NAIDOC Celebrations. In August we will also commemorate three years of the reoccupation at Waddananggu and the ongoing resistance against Adani's land-grabbing.

It is vital that we Keep The Fire Burning. Show your support for Climate and First Nations Justice by attending our backyard screening of Walanbaa Ngiiyani - Stronger Together, depicting our shared fight against the coal industry. 

Every summer, Queenslanders face increasingly extreme weather events such as floods, storms, cyclones and heatwaves, all exacerbated by climate change. These events not only jeopardise the safety and well-being of our communities but also put an unnecessary strain on our economy.

For a safe climate, we need a future without fossil fuels. And soon.

So, what does North Queensland's energy future look like? What opportunities and challenges can we expect in the energy transition? How do we talk about these with our friends, family and decision-makers?

Most importantly, how can locals like us leverage this crucial moment in time to build a sustainable, equitable and affordable future for all North Queenslanders?

These were the questions we aimed to answer together at the Townsville Energy Champions Training workshop earlier this month.

It's halfway through 2024 and I am so stoked with the support we've received so far this year! 

Thank you so much to everyone who got behind our EOFY appeal last month! Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $7,500, which will go directly into delivering our current projects and campaigns. Miss the 30 June deadline? No problem - we accept donations all year round! Visit our donation page to learn how to donate today.

NAIDOC Week is also upon us this week, so be sure to get along to a local event if you can to show your support for this important week. 

June was an incredible month, and July is full of fantastic opportunities to make a difference, connect with others, gain new skills, get inspired and fill your cup! Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

NQCC welcomes today's announcement by the Queensland Government that Townsville has been selected as a Local Renewable Energy Zone. Minister for Energy and Clean Energy Jobs Mick de Brenni was in Townsville today to announce an investment of $40 million, helping to reduce emissions and electricity costs for households.

About the Project

The Story Circles Project invites local community members to share their stories and experiences of North Queensland's weather extremes - from flooding to heatwaves, and the ways our lives are impacted by these events. Sharing, validating, and understanding the realities of extreme weather in our regional area is necessary for solving the complex issues that our communities face. These stories will help us to advocate for solutions that will ultimately build community resilience in the face of climate change. More immediately, we aim to foster and strengthen supportive networks within the community by bringing together individuals with similar experiences.