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.

Townsville residents know we're on the frontlines of climate change, and the need for strong local leadership on climate action and environmental conservation is higher now than ever before.

Last night, NQCC invited Townsville's three mayoral candidates to share their perspectives and priorities on all things related to climate, environment and liveability, as they responded to questions from NQCC and the community.

This December, NQCC joined with Move Beyond Coal to carry out three colourful demonstrations around Townsville, as part of a national Week of Action. Supporters braved heatwave conditions to tell Labor we deserve better!

In February 2023, the Albanese Government consulted on the proposed design of the Safeguard Mechanism Reform. 

The 2022 federal election demonstrated that Australians want stronger action on climate change. We have seen some shifts in the right direction, but we know that there is more to be done to ensure our country plays its part in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. 

On Sunday 15 May, less than one week ahead of the 2022 Federal Election, NQCC hosted a Townsville Climate Rally to unite locals and advocacy groups who care about climate change, to demonstrate our numbers and share our stories - with each other, our community and federal candidates. 

NQCC's newly formed Climate Action Townsville (CAT) group is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and local organisations to come together and act on Climate Change.

This group is an opportunity for you to step up your role in the climate movement in Townsville and North Queensland!

Our current Climate Change initiative revolves around inspiring our fellow North Queenslanders to think about what a carbon neutral future could look like for our region. Learn all about the project here! 

We also highly recommend climateforchange.org.au and their amazing climate conversations guide! 

North Queensland is already feeling the impacts of a changing climate, with unprecedented weather events and temperatures. The flooding event in and around Townsville in February 2019 smashed previous rainfall records for all durations from two to twelve days, with 1259.8mm falling in just ten days (see BoM's Special Climate Statement). This followed the heatwave of November 2018, which saw previous maximum temperature records in areas around Cairns, Proserpine, Coen, Cooktown, Innisfail to Townsville, Bowen to Sarina and around St Lawrence exceeded by 1.5 to 4°C (source here).

Students Strike for Climate in Townsville on 15 March 2019.

On 15 March 2019, Townsville school students gathered at the Gregory Street Amphitheatre to share their stories, concerns and demands regarding climate change and climate action. This nationwide event was organised by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), and the Townsville event was brought together by AYCC's North Queensland Organiser Alicia Walter, with the help of local volunteers.