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.

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!

The Queensland Government is developing a 20-year tourism plan for Queensland, and is seeking feedback on key focus areas to help identify and leverage tourism growth opportunities for the next two decades. 

If you've spent any time in North Queensland, there is a good chance you've come across some of our native flying foxes. The Townsville region is home to two species: Black Flying-foxes and Little Red Flying-foxes. They are long-range pollinators, critical to the health of our ecosystems.

In December 2024, the Julia Creek Vanadium and Energy Project (by QEM Ltd.) was declared a coordinated project by  Queensland’s Coordinator-General. So, what do we know about this North Queensland project?

We know that avian bird flu is affecting poultry and egg production in Australia, but what are the risks to native birds, and what can be done to stop the spread? 

The information below has been shared by Ingrid Marker from Cassowary Keystone Conservation.