Want to know where the parties running in your electorate stand on climate change? Read on!

In early February 2019, the Townsville region experienced its largest rainfall event in 120 years. Rainfall and floodwaters reached unprecedented levels, catching even long-term residents off guard. It was described as a 1-in-100 year event.

Now, just six years later, the region has received almost a metre of rain over one weekend, leading to flash flooding and mass evacuations.

The climate crisis is quite literally on our doorstep.

Over the past four months, NQCC sat with members of the community to talk about personal experiences with weather extremes in North Queensland. We learned a lot about the diversity of impacts, people's future worries, but also about our great potential to increase local resilience.

Photo supplied by Diana Condylas

Every summer, Queenslanders face increasingly extreme weather events such as floods, storms, cyclones and heatwaves, all exacerbated by climate change. These events not only jeopardise the safety and well-being of our communities but also put an unnecessary strain on our economy.

About the Project

The Story Circles Project invites local community members to share their stories and experiences of North Queensland's weather extremes - from flooding to heatwaves, and the ways our lives are impacted by these events. Sharing, validating, and understanding the realities of extreme weather in our regional area is necessary for solving the complex issues that our communities face. These stories will help us to advocate for solutions that will ultimately build community resilience in the face of climate change. More immediately, we aim to foster and strengthen supportive networks within the community by bringing together individuals with similar experiences. 

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.