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. 

Gawara Baya Wind Farm Approval Should Not Set a Precedent

20 June 2024

NQCC responds to the Federal Government’s environmental approval of Windlab’s Gawara Baya Wind Farm (formerly known as the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm) in North Queensland.

Happy Environment Day! Despite the crises our natural world is facing, its resilience and beauty is always worth celebrating. I hope you have found a way to do this today.

It's a jam-packed edition of Paperbark, because in typical North Queensland fashion, as the weather cools down, events heat up!

We had the great pleasure to be part of this year's Eco Fiesta at Anderson Gardens. What a beautiful place and what a great community event.
Together with our amazing volunteers we spoke to almost a hundred people about our two major campaigns this year: Nature & Renewables and Heat & Hazards.

In December 2022, the Australian Government announced that bioregional plans would be developed to better protect areas that matter for the environment and allow for faster development decisions. 

As the humidity finally begins to ease off, it's hard to believe how fast the year is flying past!

April saw some pretty big wins for grassroots movements close to home, including the rejection of the controversial Chalumbin wind project in the wet tropics, tougher penalties for irresponsible dog owners, and anti-coal activist Murrawah Johnson winning the Goldman Environmental Prize. Regional Queenslanders are making big waves!

Here at NQCC, Luna has brought energy and creativity to her role as Community Campaigner, and organised her very first action on Monday morning! It was loads of fun, and there's plenty more coming up for the rest of the 12 days of action!

I hope you enjoy this edition of Paperbark. There really is something for everyone this month!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Today the Queensland Conservation Council, alongside nine Queensland regional environmental and conservation groups, have united in support of a well-planned roll out of renewable energy.

The groups have put forward a five-point plan for getting the rollout of renewable energy right, pointing to the positive outcomes that the energy transformation can have for the environment, regional and First Nations communities if delivered well.

The Whirlybird by Luna Prince

I poked my head out from under the house, resting my hands on the old metal gate. A loud silence had come over the usually busy street corner. The palm trees across the road were swaying to a song only they could hear. What had been glowing under a fiery sunset just moments before, was now covered in grey. Night had come and the wind was picking up. Kirrily was close.

All day my thoughts had been racing, imagining what may or may not be. I filled the hours preparing or restlessly waiting but mostly keeping busy to distract myself from the looming threat. This was my first summer on the northern coast and I was determined to make it my home. Summer days had spoiled me with lush green trees, dips in crystal clear waters, and an abundance of flowers and fresh fruit. But they also promised extreme weather.

Photo sourced from QPWS

The rugged, mountainous Bowling Green Bay National Park on the land of the Bindal people, is set to expand by two hectares after the Queensland Government acquired three islets off the coast of Townsville.

Native animals including the white-bellied sea-eagle and black-naped tern are set to benefit.