September is always an exciting time of year, because it means we get to come together with members and celebrate the achievements of the year at our Annual General Meeting. This September is also the start of the countdown to Queensland's State Election, with high stakes for climate action and nature protection.

I hope that you will stand with us at the Townsville Community Alliance's upcoming Election Assembly on Thursday 10 October, and that you enjoy our exciting 2023/24 Annual Report!

Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Our 2024 Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 25 September, and we're delighted to share the highlights of the night with you!

We know that avian bird flu is affecting poultry and egg production in Australia, but what are the risks to native birds, and what can be done to stop the spread? 

The information below has been shared by Ingrid Marker from Cassowary Keystone Conservation. 

Open the PDF

50km west of the Townsville CBD, behind the Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms, lies a sleeping beast that, if awoken, could spell disaster for Townsville locals, our environment and our water supply.

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.