Having just recently returned from meetings, roundtables, workshops and an Alliance Convention in Meanjin/Brisbane, I am equal parts exhausted and inspired.
There are remarkable, intelligent, compassionate and hard-working people all across this state who are dedicated to our natural world and protecting it in perpetuity. When we collaborate and put our strengths together, we are powerful - and I'm so privileged to get to see it in action!
What's even better is returning home to the (hot!) dry tropics and seeing NQCC's own remarkable community in action!
As I prepare to hit the road for a short break, Luna is organising NQCC's upcoming Mayoral Candidates' Forum, which is shaping up to be an event not to be missed! If you can lend a hand or spare some cash to help bring it to life, I know it would be appreciated!
Thanks for all that you do.
- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator
In this edition:
- Upcoming Events
- Get Ready Day
- Mayoral Candidates Forum
- Plant Nursery Visit
- Trivia Night
- NQCC Updates
- MERT Updates
- Way Out event
- Our open letter
- Green Drinks October
- Planning Solar for Nature
- Other Opportunities
- EPBC Reform
- Urban Food Calendar
- Solar Recycling Webinar
- Landcare Opportunities
- Further Reading
- Special Edition Sustainability
UPCOMING EVENTS
Get Ready Day
Join NQCC’s stall at Get Ready Day to raise awareness around extreme heat. Through interactive displays and conversations, we’ll explore:
- How to prepare for heat as a local disaster risk.
- How nature can help cool and protect our city.
- Where to turn locally for connection and support before, during, and after an event.
We’d love some friendly faces to help on the day - chatting with visitors, setting up, or packing down.
Short shifts available!
When: 7.30am - 12.30pm Sun 2 Nov
Where: Riverway, Thuringowa Central
| JOIN OUR STALL |
Mayoral Forum
Townsville is feeling the heat - from rising temperatures and climate impacts to pressures on our shared natural environment.
Join us for a Q&A-style forum with the mayoral candidates to hear how they’ll steer our city toward stronger climate, nature and liveability outcomes.
RSVP now, and don't forget to send in your questions!
When: 5.30pm - 8pm Thurs 6 Nov
Where: CIC, 280 Flinders St, Townsville CBD
| GET TO KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES |
Nursery Visit
Join us for a behind-the-scenes morning at the Ken Armitage Dry Tropics Nursery in Anderson Gardens.
Ever wondered how Townsville’s greening and restoration projects come to life? This is your chance to peek behind the curtain and learn about the processes and partnerships that help our city grow.
Please RSVP - we can only bring a small group for this special visit.
Where: Anderson Gardens
| VISIT THE NURSERY |
Trivia is close!
Get your team together (or join one on the night), test your wits, and support the protection of North Queensland’s environment. Plus, don’t miss our raffle - with prizes ranging from wildlife experiences to yoga classes!
Tickets: $120 per table of 8, or $20 per person. Bonus points for costumes and team spirit!
Help us set up and dinner’s on us, or pack down after and enjoy a free drink. Sign up to volunteer here!
When: 6pm Sat 22 November
Where: 16 Ryan St, Belgian Gardens
| BOOK YOUR TRIVIA SPOT |
NQCC UPDATES
Ministerial Environment Roundtable
Last week, conservation representatives from across the state met with Queensland's Environment Minister, Andrew Powell.
I asked the Minister what his priorities were for North Queensland. He talked about expanding our public and private protected areas for conservation, investing in walking trails on Bwgcolman/Palm Island and rolling out education campaigns alongside compliance activities to address illegal dumping.
After a day of robust and productive discussions on everything from national parks to offsets and the reef, we found more than enough common ground to work together towards the outcomes we all want.
Our next opportunity to meet with the Minister will come around again soon, so if there is something you would like raised, please reach out!
United for Climate Risk Action
Nine local organisations have signed NQCC’s open letter on climate risk, calling on the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council to take stronger, coordinated action to protect our community.
The letter highlights the urgent need to plan for heat as a growing disaster risk, ensure affordable access to energy, and invest in nature-based solutions that keep our city cool and liveable. It also calls for greater transparency and collaboration between all levels of government and the community.
Together, we’re showing that climate readiness isn’t a niche concern - it’s essential for the wellbeing of everyone who calls North Queensland home.
| READ OUR OPEN LETTER |
The Way Out
What happens when climate anxiety meets mindfulness?
At our recent event, community members gathered to watch “The Way Out,” then sat together in reflective conversation about climate feelings - both personal and planetary.
We explored how caring for ourselves and caring for Country are deeply intertwined.
Want to find stillness, resilience and connection? Check out the blog for key take-aways, grounding practices, and links to further resources.
| GET A DOSE OF MINDFULNESS |
Green Drinks
Diana Condylas of Plastic Free Townsville shared that the Boomerang Alliance is calling for a 30% national target for reusable packaging by 2030, bans on single-use foodware for dine-in customers, and a levy on disposable cups and containers.
Locally, initiatives like Zero Waste Magnetic Island and EcoTrilogy’s reusable event systems show what’s possible when communities embrace circular solutions.
| SEE WHAT YOU MISSED! |
Solar for Nature?
If big solar is in our future, how do we ensure biodiversity is too?
We recently went online with Dr Eric Nordberg (UNE) and Prof Lin Schwarzkopf (JCU) to explore how solar farms can protect - and even enhance - natural values. The discussion covered “conservoltaics,” community benefits, and practical design principles like maintaining habitat connectivity and using fauna-friendly fencing.
| WATCH RECORDING & READ KEY MESSAGES |
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
EPBC BRIEFING
Australia's environment is on the brink of the biggest legal reform in a generation. Right now, the Federal Parliament is negotiating new national environment laws.
Join the Queensland Conservation Council to unpack:
- What's actually changing
- Where negotiations are at
- How you can help!
When: 1-1.50pm Fri 31 October
Where: Online
AND: Send an email to your MP right away to demand stronger nature laws!
| JOIN THE BRIEFING |
| EMAIL YOUR MP |
Urban Food Calendar
Atlas Soils has just released a gift to our community - the Townsville Urban Food Calendar!
Born from years of soil-stained hands, failed seedlings, and shared laughter, this free downloadable calendar celebrates growing food in our own backyards, parks, and verges.
Each month features a locally loved edible plant with down-to-earth tips for when and how to grow it - perfect for families, schools, and curious gardeners alike.
| DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR |
Solar Recycling
Join a Renewables Done Right Webinar on Solar Panel Recycling and Battery Safety hosted by the Darling Downs Environment Council.
Join a conversation with two University of New South Wales experts in clean energy technology.
When: 6pm Wed 5 November
Where: Online
| JOIN THE WEBINAR |
Landcare Opportunities
Want to spend time in nature, meet new people and get some free exercise? Join Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare! Find your closest Landcare site on their website and find upcoming events on their Facebook page.
Why not help out at their next Community Working Bee at Mundy Creek?
When: 4.30-6.30pm Sat 1 Nov
Where: End of Lockheed Street Garbutt
| REGISTER HERE |
FURTHER READING
New Science and Management Approaches to Support Coral Reefs in a Time of Rapid Climate Change
| READ |
Like What You've Read?
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All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and directly support the delivery of our projects and campaigns. Visit our donation page to learn how to donate online or via direct debit, or become a monthly donor! Your support goes a long way.
| DONATE TODAY |
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