In a powerful and deeply informative community info evening, NQCC was proud to give the stage to Magnetic Island Nature Care Association (MINCA) President Gethin Morgan, alongside ocean advocates Kaspa Blewett and Lawrence Scheele.

The event brought together science, lived experience, and compelling visual evidence to show how maintenance dredging and offshore dumping in Cleveland Bay are affecting the health of Magnetic Island’s waters and marine life.

The Queensland Government is currently consulting on a new Draft Provisional Land Use Plan (PLUP) for the Port Hinchinbrook Priority Development Area. This plan will shape how land and sea country around the Hinchinbrook Channel is used for years to come.

NQCC has lodged a detailed submission calling for much stronger environmental and cultural protections — because as it stands, the draft plan risks locking in the same problems that have caused decades of environmental damage in this sensitive area.

This is a critical moment, and your voice matters. Submissions are open now — and we’re asking our supporters to join us in speaking up.

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.

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. 

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.

Photo: Landcare volunteers enjoying morning tea in the 'fig tree cafe'.

On a Tuesday morning, NQCC joined volunteers of Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare for a working bee at the slopes of Castle Hill. While we did some necessary watering and weeding, we enjoyed the view of a variety of natives thriving along the sun- bathed granite, as well as the diverse chatter of birds in the treetops. There was plenty to discover such as a bowerbird’s bower hidden in the shrubs right next to the track. With the work of the Landcare volunteers, the restoration of this beautiful hillside environment has formed homes for native wildlife like the bush turkeys, bower birds, echidnas, and wallabies.

In celebration of World Environment Day (June 5), NQCC had the joy of visiting the Upper Ross Community Centre’s playgroup to share the fascinating world of pollinators with some very curious young minds.

This wonderful playgroup regularly explores nature and environmental themes with families, and we were thrilled to be invited to talk about bees, bugs and the important role they play in keeping our gardens and ecosystems healthy.

Celebrating Our Volunteers with a Walk on the Wild Side

What better way to celebrate our amazing volunteers during National Volunteer Week than by connecting with some of Townsville’s beautiful urban green spaces along the Ross River?

We kicked off the day with some delicious treats and great conversations about the latest local sustainability initiatives. Then we were joined by Townsville City Council’s Water Educator, Annmarie, for a guided walk along the Booroona Trail - or "Snake Trail" in the Bindal language.

Last Saturday, NQCC member Malcolm and NQCC Community Campaigner Luna joined a saltmarsh monitoring expedition right here in Townsville, led by the newly active local chapter of Earthwatch.

Saltmarshes might look plain from afar - only good for drifting or dumping rubbish - but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These vital ecosystems are surprisingly diverse, full of colour after the recent rains, and teeming with unique plant and animal life.

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.