In a powerful and deeply informative community info evening, NQCC was proud to give the stage to Magnetic Island Nature Care Association (MINCA) President Gethin Morgan, alongside ocean advocates Kaspa Blewett and Lawrence Scheele.

The event brought together science, lived experience, and compelling visual evidence to show how maintenance dredging and offshore dumping in Cleveland Bay are affecting the health of Magnetic Island’s waters and marine life.

Five years ago, an independent review of Australia's federal nature laws found that they were failing. This week, the EPBC Act has finally been overhauled, after negotiations between the Labor Government and the Greens resulted in changes that have been labelled "transformative" and "historic". There is still work to be done, but a sigh of relief right now is justified.

While history is being made in federal politics, in the Hinchinbrook Channel, history is set to repeat itself.

Long-term NQCC members might remember the courageous yet ultimately unsuccessful fight against the development of Port Hinchinbrook. Decades of environmental disturbance and decay have ensued. Now, the State Government is looking to revitalise the area and dredge up the past. That can't happen on our watch. Making a submission takes a few minutes, but could make a world of difference. 

Thank you for your support throughout this massive month! It's been exciting, and we love sharing it with you.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

We had the opportunity to visit the Ken Armitage Dry Tropics Nursery at Anderson Gardens - a rare chance to peek behind the scenes at one of the places quietly shaping the future of Townsville’s urban landscape.

The nursery is just one piece of a much larger puzzle when it comes to greening our city. It sits within a long chain of planning, growing, planting, and maintenance across council teams, community groups, and local volunteers. But it plays a crucial role.

Last Saturday, the Townsville Senior Citizens Centre was buzzing with energy as 111 players across 15 teams battled it out at NQCC’s Trivia Night 2025. It was our biggest trivia night to date — and what a night it was!

The Queensland Government is currently consulting on a new Draft Provisional Land Use Plan (PLUP) for the Port Hinchinbrook Priority Development Area. This plan will shape how land and sea country around the Hinchinbrook Channel is used for years to come.

NQCC has lodged a detailed submission calling for much stronger environmental and cultural protections — because as it stands, the draft plan risks locking in the same problems that have caused decades of environmental damage in this sensitive area.

This is a critical moment, and your voice matters. Submissions are open now — and we’re asking our supporters to join us in speaking up.

Last Thursday night, almost 100 Townsville locals gathered at NQCC's Townsville Mayoral Forum (v2.0) to hear what our candidates had to say about Climate, Environment and Liveability. 

Having just recently returned from meetings, roundtables, workshops and an Alliance Convention in Meanjin/Brisbane, I am equal parts exhausted and inspired. 

There are remarkable, intelligent, compassionate and hard-working people all across this state who are dedicated to our natural world and protecting it in perpetuity. When we collaborate and put our strengths together, we are powerful - and I'm so privileged to get to see it in action!

What's even better is returning home to the (hot!) dry tropics and seeing NQCC's own remarkable community in action! 

As I prepare to hit the road for a short break, Luna is organising NQCC's upcoming Mayoral Candidates' Forum, which is shaping up to be an event not to be missed! If you can lend a hand or spare some cash to help bring it to life, I know it would be appreciated!

Thanks for all that you do. 

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

While most stalls at Get Ready Day at Riverway baked bravely in the sun, NQCC found itself in a rare paradise: a shady tree that became a beacon of relief for passers-by. Ironically, our theme was heat - one of the most underestimated and deadly natural hazards in Australia.

On a quiet Friday evening, our community came together for a special screening of The Way Out - a film that invites us to slow down, reflect, and rediscover what truly sustains us.

Hosted by the North Queensland Conservation Council (NQCC) and supported by Queensland Mental Health Week, the event offered a rare space to connect mindfulness and climate care - two things deeply intertwined in our collective wellbeing.

Around 20 locals gathered for our final Green Drinks of the year to hear from Diana Condylas of Plastic Free Townsville (Boomerang Alliance). It was an evening filled with important updates, practical ideas, and great conversation about how we can all help create a low-waste future - at home, in our workplaces, and across the community.