If big solar is in our future, how do we ensure our biodiversity is, too?

Last night, we jumped online with some experts to find out!

The Australian Government's National Climate Risk Assessment is a dire warning for Australian communities - particularly those of us in the North. A warming climate is set to impact our health services, infrastructure, workforce, schooling, insurance and vulnerable community members. We also know that several endemic species are on the brink, and entire ecosystems are at risk of collapse. 

So, what can be done about it?

This month, the Australian Government outlined our climate future scenarios with the release of their first National Climate Risk Assessment. If this had you feeling grief-stricken, angry or numb, you're not alone. The following week, they released a climate target that looks much like a balancing act between taking action and ensuring our country's biggest polluters can still turn a healthy profit. 

What can we do about it?

With North Queensland as a key region in our state's energy transition, we need to make sure we get renewables right - and we want your input! We also need to prioritise climate adaptation that harnesses the power of nature and the strengths of our community. Our open letter to decision-makers lays out our expectations - let us know ASAP if your organisation wants to sign on!

We also need to look after each other - and throughout October, Luna is leveraging our wonderful local networks to provide meaningful opportunities for connection, reflection and empowerment. 

With the support of a strong, renewed Management Committee and supporters like you, we remain hopeful for the future. Please enjoy the read.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

AGMs at NQCC are never boring! We make them fun, friendly, and a chance to connect with our community. This year was no exception – with good food (thanks to our amazing volunteer and Treasurer, Monita), plenty of conversation, and a warm atmosphere that reflects the spirit of NQCC.

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Our community campaigner had the privilege of joining the 5th Annual Symposium of the Social Science Community for the Great Barrier Reef. It was an inspiring gathering of people who bring both knowledge and care to the future of the Reef, and Luna felt honoured to contribute as a speaker and workshop facilitator.

Throughout the symposium, Luna heard about the diversification of reef science and projects - spanning topics such as the role of emotion in reef protection, current trust in reef science, the use of drones, and women’s leadership on the reef. What stood out most was the collective commitment to expanding how we understand, connect with, and protect the Reef.

One of the most delightful aspects of leading a community organisation is interacting with our exceptional community.

This month, Luna has brought people together through several vibrant community events and I've had the pleasure of facilitating workshops to map nature priorities for our region's renewable energy transition. Meanwhile, passionate volunteers have been hitting the streets and the phones selling tickets in our e-bike raffle fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who has helped make August so fruitful!

I suggest you have your diary close by while you browse this edition of Paperbark, because September promises to be just as action-packed, and you won't want to miss a thing!

Thanks as always for your continued support. I can't wait to see you at our AGM to celebrate our successes together!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Last weekend we gathered for the official launch of Shaking the Trees, the powerful new novel by Jeremy Tager. The evening was honest, raw, and thought-provoking- an invitation to step out of the everyday and ask bigger questions about the crises shaping our world and the opportunities we still have for change.

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.