April was a month of butterflies, cooler weather and some pretty big changes for us (details below). As always, we are humbled by the support of everyone who has reached out and supported us in some way over the past few weeks - thank you!

Some positions are currently available on our Management Committee, so if you are looking for an opportunity to support us in a meaningful and rewarding way, express your interest here and we'll be in touch!

For an interesting (and perhaps inspiring) read, we recommend this Guardian article, which explores some of the opportunities for North Queensland becoming a key region for new, 'green' industries. It is exciting to hear some positive and progressive visions from North Queenslanders, instead of the same old coal rhetoric. 

As you'll see from this edition of Paperbark, we've been pretty busy - and we are only going to get busier, with plenty of things to look forward to. Keep reading for all the details!

In this edition:

• NQCC News:
  • Staffing Changes
  • Burdekin River Campaign Update
  • The Fight for Our Trees
• Coming Up: 
  
  • Green Drinks
  • Postcard Art Exhibition
• In Other News...
  • Tour de Carmichael kicks off
  • Pre-budget Assembly with the Premier
  • Townsville's Climate Strike
  • Kennedy Bay Walk with Wildlife Qld
  • Evening with the Minister
  • PhD survey responses wanted

NQCC NEWS

Staffing Changes

Tiffany Bond (left) has taken on NQCC's Community Engagement and Fundraising, while Crystal Falknau (right) has stepped into the role of Coordinator.

Last week you would have received an email outlining some changes to NQCC's staffing. We'd like to thank Simon Cheers for his work with our organisation over the last twelve months and wish him well for his future endeavours. The knowledge and charisma he brought to the role - particularly during such a difficult year - will be missed. If you are lucky you may catch him on a comedy podcast or even at a stand-up show, spreading laughter and sharing some rather hilarious insights.

Last week we were excited to welcome Tiffany Bond to the team. She brings with her a wealth of experience and passion, and has demonstrated a great work ethic as a hands-on volunteer with the organisation. 

If you'd like to get in touch with either of us, please use the emails below. We'd be happy to hear from you!

Crystal: [email protected]
Tiff: [email protected]

Did you know you can learn more about our staff and Management Committee on our website? And you can go here for opportunities to get involved with us!

Burdekin River Campaign Update

In a positive development towards improved management of the Burdekin River, the Coordinator General has released the updated Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Statements for the Burdekin Falls Dam raising project and Urannah Dam. These impact statements must now investigate coastal processes and cumulative impacts - requiring the proponents of each dam project to consider the cumulative impacts of all the proposed dams along the Burdekin, not just their own in isolation.

These additions are implicit steps towards basin-wide management, and could be a complete game-changer to how developments throughout the catchment are considered and evaluated. These changes to the Environmental Impact Statements are the result of the significant quantity of submissions (like ours) that called for these considerations to be added.

Our Fight for the Trees

You may have noticed that the two large, beloved fig trees that were removed from Anzac Park have been replaced by some fresh new turf - nothing to support birdlife or provide the shade and amenity those trees provided.

We have been following up on this issue, with the vital help of a small group of passionate volunteers. We are currently seeking documents from three levels of government to seek answers to some of our questions. We will provide updates regarding any new information that comes to light.

In the meantime, you can help by signing and sharing Bernadette's e-petition. Please ensure you confirm your signature in the confirmation email you will be sent after signing, or your name won't be added.

COMING UP...

Green Drinks at Grill'd!

Green Drinks is an informal and friendly networking event for people who care for the environment.

May Green Drinks will be held from 6pm onwards on Friday 21 May at Grill'd in Palmer St, South Townsville. Don't forget to bring a friend!

To receive updates about each monthly event, make sure you're on our Green Drinks mailing list or have joined the Green Drinks Townsville Facebook Group!

Artists & Volunteers Wanted!

NQCC's biennial Postcard Art fundraiser is on for 2021! On show at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts from early September, postcard-sized artworks will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibition, with all funds supporting our work here in North Queensland.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with the exhibition and auction, as well as artists to donate small works of art.

IN OTHER NEWS

Tour de Carmichael kicks off this week

Registrations have now closed for this fundraiser, but if you'd like to stay up to date during the tour, follow the Facebook page and help spread the word with your friends!

They'll be posting daily photos and some videos so that those who can't make the tour can still experience and learn about the Wangan and Jagalingou culture as they journey 105km through sacred lands.

If you would like to show your support, consider donating to their event here. 

Pre-Budget Assembly with the Premier

From 6pm on Thursday 20 May, 1000 community leaders will assemble online and in person to share stories and gain commitments from the Queensland Premier (Annastacia Palaszczuk) on issues that matter to them. This assembly has been arranged by the Queensland Community Alliance (QCA) and follows on from the organising they did around the Maroonprint for Queensland Reconstruction in 2020.

Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) will be among those calling for real action on climate change, and we would love you to join us to show your support.

Townsville #ClimateStrike

You are invited to join young climate strikers on 21 May, to call on the Morrison Government to invest in renewable energy and First Nations solutions that care for country, not dirty gas projects.

Townsville's climate strike will take place from 9-11am on Friday 21 May at the Jezzine Playground on Cook St. 

For updates, visit their Facebook event or this event page. 

Wildlife Queensland: Kennedy Bay Walk

The Townsville Branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland is planning a joint trip with the Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook Branch, to walk into beautiful Kennedy Bay, south of Mission Beach, on Sunday 23 May.

Approximate numbers are required, so if you are interested in partaking in this lovely coastal walk or would like more information, please email [email protected]. 

Evening with the Minister

You are invited to an online forum with Meaghan Scanlon, the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs. Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) will be asking her to share her commitments on addressing climate change, better ways to reduce and manage waste, and expanding national parks and other protected areas.

This will be a conversation not to be missed, and a critical opportunity to demonstrate to the Minister the love that Queenslanders have for our environment, and all that it provides to us.

Please come along and invite a friend to this online event on Wednesday 2 June, 6.30-7.30pm.

Survey: Perceiving the Risks of Storm Surges

Kristy Livock is a PhD candidate in psychology, interested in risk perception, decision-making in the context of natural disasters and risk communication. Her current research is examining if storm surges are perceived as threatening and factors than may influence this.

If you'd like to help Kristy with her research, take the short survey below and like her Facebook page for more information about her research.

Do you have a story, activity or event to share with your fellow Paperbark readers? Email [email protected].

Thanks as always for your wonderful support, whatever that looks like.

Yours naturally,

Crystal and Tiff
North Queensland Conservation Council