Firstly, we'd like to thank you for your support throughout 2021 - in whatever form that took. Supporters like you helped us to advocate, educate and make wonderful and important connections!

Please enjoy this wrap up of some of our highlights of 2021!

Hopefully as you are reading this, you are feeling refreshed and revitalised from the festive season, and are looking towards 2022 with excitement and a sense of purpose, just like we are.

2022 is going to be a big year for us, with a Federal Election that will bring climate action to the forefront of the national conversation. We are excited by what we will achieve in North Queensland, with your continued support!

In this edition:

• Some Good News
• NQCC Updates:
  
  • Youth Response
  • Member Groups
  • Green Drinks
• Opportunities:
  • President position available with CDTLI
  • Mackay Conservation Group need a Climate Campaigner
  • Help manage the GBR with the Eye on the Reef app
  • Climate Action Now signs and stickers available
  • Return-It Recycle Regatta
  • Have your say about an Independent EPA

SOME GOOD NEWS

Waratah Coal Station

In last month's Paperbark, we invited you to email Steven Miles regarding the Waratah coal-fired power station proposal. Thanks to the 197 responses he received, Steven Miles has used his powers to call in the application! He lists the impacts on Queensland's renewable energy target and emissions reduction target, along with ground water, threatened species, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions among his reasons for calling in the project. This is a great outcome - thank you to all who took the time to get in touch!

NQCC UPDATES

Youth Response 2021

In the first week of December, some 160 high school students and 100 primary school students from throughout Townsville came together over three days for Youth Response 2021 - a conference to explore and respond to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In groups, they designed their own projects which focused on ending poverty, rescuing the planet and building a peaceful world. 

High schools included Townsville State High, Kirwan, Northern Beaches and Pimlico. Participating primary schools included Aitkenvale, Belgian Gardens, Currajong and Hermit Park.

Crystal attended a session to meet some of the students and teachers involved, and was impressed by their creativity and commitment to making the world a better place. We were grateful for the invitation - this will be an exciting space to watch!

 NQCC Member Groups

For the past few months, we have been proud to collaborate with some other groups who are actively working towards conservation outcomes in our area. We hope to bring you plenty of information about these groups and their activities in the New Year!

In the meantime, you can read about Fair Bite Townsville's Coffee Bean Project and show your support on Facebook for Phil's Bush Cleanups, TIDY and Townsville Bat Rescue. These are just a few of the wonderful groups doing awesome work around Townsville!

Green Drinks

We have our fingers crossed for a January Green Drinks on Friday 21 in the courtyard at Grill'd, however this has not been confirmed. Given the spread of Covid-19 in our community, we will wait until a little closer to the date to confirm this. 

In the meantime, please ensure that you are signed up for Green Drinks updates here and consider joining our Green Drinks Facebook group!

OPPORTUNITIES

Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc.

Our friends at CDTLI are looking for a President!

The President is responsible for focusing on the core functions of Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Incorporated (CDTLI) to enable it to achieve its long term vision. Specifically, this person will need to ensure that the group’s operations, fundraising, marketing and program strategies are effectively managed and implemented. Immediate start required. Approximately 30 hours a month.

Mackay Conservation Group

Mackay Conservation Group is currently looking for a Climate Campaigner! This is a full-time position for a period of two years.

If you know someone from the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region who would be interested, please forward them the link below with all of the details. Applications close on 29 January.

Heading out on the Reef?

Download the "Eye on the Reef" zoning app! This free app not only allows you to access and understand zoning rules in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, but you can also use it to record reef health, animal sightings or incidents. 

For example, you can report sightings of crown-of-thorns starfish or iconic fish species, helping the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to better understand and manage the Reef.

Climate Action Now Signs

Did you know that there are currently over 7,000 of these stickers and signs on display around the state - from Cape York to the Gold Coast? 

They can go on your wheelie bin, your letterbox, your front fence, a street-facing window, or on your car or bike!

Get in touch to order yours from our office! Email [email protected] to make arrangements.

Return-It Recycle Regatta

In partnership with Return-It, Townsville City Council invites you to participate in the Return-It Recycle Regatta.

Dress in your best Aussie outfit and race your recycled boat through the Rockpool for your chance to win great prizes.

Where: Rockpool, The Strand (Next to Kissing Point, Jezzine Barracks)
When: 26th Jan, 12pm

Live music and entertainment from 12pm.

Independent Environmental Protection Agency

The Palaszczuk Government has begun public consultation on the establishment of an independent environmental regulator in Queensland, as part of an important election commitment. 

Queensland is currently the only state in Australia without an external independent Environmental Protection Agency.

The survey is quick and easy and open to all Queenslanders who have a view on environmental protection. Submissions will be used to inform future decisions around a potential independent EPA.

The survey has eight questions and takes around five minutes to complete and will close in February 2022.

Happy New Year!!

Yours naturally,

Crystal and Tiff
North Queensland Conservation Council