At this month’s Green Drinks we were grateful to be joined by Kara-Mae Coulter-Atkins and Dinny Taylor from the Healthy Waterways Partnership for the Dry Tropics, along with our current NQCC interns, to unpack the latest Dry Tropics Waterways Report Card.

After having to postpone our event, we were thrilled to welcome over 40 people to the screening and panel discussion co-hosted by Social Workers for Climate Action and NQCC. The evening began with an introduction from Juanita and Sandra from Social Workers for Climate Action, inviting attendees to reflect, be curious, and remember that we are all part of a food system that can-and must-be improved: better for the soil, for farmers, and for consumers.

In a massive win for conservation in North Queensland, a bill that would see crocodiles culled has failed to pass the scrutiny of the Parliamentary Committee. Its scathing report found that the approaches outlined in the bill were unnecessary, ineffective and not backed by science. 

This month, a federal court found that the Australian Government has no legal duty to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change. While we share the heartbreak of this outcome, the case shone a light on the responsibility of governments to take real climate action. This was reinforced by the recent warning from the International Court of Justice that countries failing to act on climate may be in breach of international law.

On the biodiversity front, the parliamentary committee assessing a crocodile management bill put forward by Katter MP Shane Knuth has recommended its rejection, highlighting the effectiveness of awareness campaigns for public safety over the need for culling.

Thank you to everyone who made submissions to the bill, highlighting the ecological and cultural significance of North Queensland's estuarine crocs and the need for their protection - what a win!

As you'll see in this edition of Paperbark, we're fighting the good fight on all fronts, so however you show up - volunteering, donating or just a kind message of support - it all means a lot to us!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

On a sunny but windy Saturday afternoon, we joined other local organisations, businesses, and council initiatives at Strand Park for the second Healthy Waters Arvo - a community event celebrating efforts to protect and restore water health across our region.

The weather last Wednesday at JCU Market Day mirrored what many students told us they were feeling — overcast, a little heavy.

We set up a large “Climate Mood” board to check in with students about how they’re feeling about the climate crisis. Since the peak of the school strikes and the disruptions of COVID, things have quietened down. We wanted to know — what’s shifted, and where are people at now?

Last week’s Green Drinks at the Commonwealth Hotel was one of those slightly warmer winter nights that made it easy to settle into good company and meaningful conversations. We were especially pleased to welcome Juanita and Sandra from Social Workers for Climate Action — a powerful alliance of social work practitioners, students, educators and researchers based at JCU, committed to recognising climate change as an environmental, social justice and human rights issue.

As I write this, I am humbled by the donations that continue to roll in for our EOFY Appeal, which this year has been doubled by a generous matched donor. At this rate, we're on track to hit our $4000 goal, which will become $8000 towards our ambitious plans for the future. I know times are tough, so if you have managed to chip in this year, please know it means the world to us!

As you'll see, June has been an exciting, fast-paced month, where volunteers have contributed more than 250 hours combined! Luna and I are so grateful to the people around us who truly bring our organisation to life. 

Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark and keep doing the great things you do for nature and your community, whatever that may be.

What does an environmentally-successful energy transition look like for North Queensland? That's the question that kicked off our third workshop in this series, at the Smart Precinct NQ.

Ten workshop participants included representatives from Townsville City Council (including Cr Brodie Phillips), the Port of Townsville, Community Gro and the Dept of Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation, alongside local engineers, ecologists and university students. Read on to see what we came up with!

Pictured: Astrid (centre) with NQCC staff team Luna (left) and Crystal (right).

I am Astrid, and this week I have been with NQCC for work experience from Pimlico State High School. I have enjoyed it very much! Throughout the week I observed meetings, helped with the planning of events, preparations of workshops, writing blogs, and connecting with NQCC members like the Landcare group. I now have a better idea of the importance of maintaining and forming new relationships with stakeholders and communities.