Last Sunday, we set up our stall at Willows Market, right under one of Australia’s largest car park solar panel projects - a fitting location for conversations about our energy future! We had 20 in-depth conversations, with renewables once again coming out on top.

The Queensland Government is considering the Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2025, a deeply flawed proposal that threatens both crocodile conservation and community safety. This Bill would weaken existing protections, allow for unsustainable harvesting and culling, and undermine the rights of First Nations peoples.

On Tuesday 25 March 2025, NQCC's Coordinator had the rare opportunity to attend Townsville Enterprise's fourth annual Green Energy Forum. With tickets aimed at industry representatives, not-for-profits like NQCC are generally priced out of such events, but a kind donor enabled our attendance. Below are our key takeaways from the day.

Many Thanks to Ian Frazer for sharing his review of Hot Water — Inside the battle to save the Great Barrier Reef (2024) written by Dr. Paul Hardisty with the NQCC community. Enjoy the teaser for a very important book!

What a fantastic night at the Strand Night Markets last Friday! The crowds were out in full force, and after the recent rain, people were keen to get outside and enjoy the evening.

Our energy voting board was a real head-turner, drawing in plenty of curious passersby. We had great conversations with over 40 community members, diving into the complexities of the energy transition. Renewables took the win again, but there was certainly interest in nuclear technology.

We were thrilled to gather once again at Grill’d for our latest Green Drinks, this time featuring an inspiring talk by Jason Lange, co-founder of Atlas Soils. With 25 attendees, the evening was filled with great conversations, new connections, and a deeper dive into the power of regenerative soil practices. Plus, we welcomed six new sign-ups to our NQCC newsletter.

This Clean Up Australia Day, the North Queensland Conservation Council was proud to be part of two incredible clean-up efforts that brought together community members of all ages to tackle waste pollution in our local environment. Special thanks to Linda, Bernadette, Felicity, Chris, Adam, Luke, Jenny, Mike, Naomi (and kids Ellie and August), Andy, and Luna for representing NQCC!

If the North Queensland floods and the state of the world right now are making you feel angry, frightened, disconnected or powerless, you've come to the right place to turn that around.

Here at NQCC, we believe that collective action is powerful. In fact, that's why Paperbark exists - to connect you with like-minded people in your community, and with opportunities to just do a good thing to contradict all the bad.

In troubling times, showing up for your community is one of the most radical things you can do. This month, I invite you to be radical.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator