Paperbark January 2025

Happy New Year!

If January is anything to go by, we have a huge year ahead of us!

I'm sure you've seen the headlines this month - Queensland has been smashed with heatwaves and downpours, Trump has pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement (again) and Dutton is doubling down on support for nuclear.

The good news? We're taking action - and so can you!

Whether you want to show up in person, take action online, contribute your expertise, or just connect with our growing community, we want you with us!

The knowledge, compassion and courage of our community never fails to impress me.

There was a strong delegation of NQCC supporters at Townsville's Survival Day March last weekend, walking alongside local First Nations leaders. There is no climate justice without First Nations justice, and we step into 2025 with a renewed commitment to both.

Time now to dive into this edition of Paperbark. Luna and I can't wait to make waves with you this year!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

In this edition:

  • Get Involved
    • Join us at Green Drinks
    • Nature Priorities Workshop
    • Stall volunteers wanted!
    • Tourism Consultation
  • NQCC Updates
    • Meeting Our New Minister
    • Alliance in Action
    • End of Year Survey
    • Trivia 2024 Recap
    • Critical Minerals Kicking Off
    • Flying-Foxes Under Fire Again
  • Other Updates & Opportunities
    • Celebrate World Wetlands Day
    • Coral of the Townsville region
    • GBR Health Report
    • Media Training
    • Renewable Energy Webinars
    • Truth-Telling Petition
    • NQ Dry Tropics: Job Opportunity

GET INVOLVED


Family with children

Green Drinks

We're excited to kick off another year of connection, fun, and knowledge sharing with Green Drinks! Join us for an evening of inspiring conversation with Chloe Watfern, who will share the activities of Parents for Climate Townsville and introduce us to Psychology for a Safe Climate.

When: 6pm Thursday 30th January
Where: Grill'd, 3 Palmer St


Banner showing castle hill

A Nature-Positive Energy Transition: Is it possible?

We are kickstarting an exciting new project aimed at identifying nature priorities for the Townsville region to help map our renewable energy future! Want to learn more?

Join our online workshop to help co-design our project and find out how you can contribute your experience, expertise or enthusiasm!

When: 6pm Wednesday 12th Feb
Where: Online

Please RSVP here.


Group photo at a market stall

Cheap and Clean Energy?

Are you passionate about energy and sustainability? We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help at our market stalls.

What you'll do:
🌱 Share key information about energy options (we’ll provide everything you need to know).
🌱 Help facilitate surveys and collect public opinions.
🌱 Contribute to a meaningful conversation about our energy future in North Queensland.

Let us know that you are interested to help!


Banner Queensland Tourism

Tourism Consultation

The Queensland Government is developing a 20-year tourism plan and your feedback is needed to ensure conservation is prioritised. 

We have drafted a submission, and we'd love your input! Follow the link below to learn how to make your own submission or contribute to NQCC's.

Provide your input. 


NQCC UPDATES


Meeting with minister and state MP

Meeting Our New Minister

On a brief visit to North Queensland in December, our new Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell (pictured, left) invited us to meet with him to discuss environmental priorities for the newly elected LNP State Government. Our meeting was also attended by Member for Townsville Adam Baillie (pictured, right).

Read the meeting notes here. 


Group pictures with Alliance members and political leaders

Alliance in Action

The first meeting of the Townsville Community Alliance for 2025 brought civil society leaders together to kick off our work for the year.

A delegation also met with Townsville's newly elected MPs, where we gained commitments to work together to address the local housing crisis. Conservation voices will be important to ensure any new housing developments respect nature and are built for a changing climate. 


Luna with a calendar

End of Year Survey

Amy Fraser won this beautiful calendar for entering our 2024 survey. It was generously donated by local Yunbenun artist Andy Frost. Thank you everyone for replying to our survey. We are recognising that our work for climate action, renewable energy, as well as nature and biodiversity are still a great concern to you. However, there are also aspects of our work that we can communicate better. Your feedback is always welcome and valuable!

Trivia 2024 group picture

Thank You!

In December 2024, NQCC held its famous annual Trivia Fundraiser. Nine teams competed for eternal glory. Thanks to our attendees, raffle ticket purchasers, volunteers, donors, and prize sponsors we raised almost $4000! We have since gained seven new members and over thirty new sign ups to our newsletter. Thank you for joining our community!
Julia Creek Vanadium

Critical Minerals Kicking Off

In December, the Julia Creek Vanadium and Energy Project was declared a coordinated project. Vanadium will be important in our energy transition, but the environmental impacts of mining are an ongoing concern.

We've put together some information about this North Queensland project, and would welcome your questions or any further information you may have.

Read more here. 


 

Flying Foxes

Flying-Foxes Under Fire Again

The regular media (and social media) attacks on our local flying-foxes have peaked over the past few weeks, with residents and some MPs calling for dispersals and culls. 

This blog post was written to provide some useful points for speaking up for these important species and the harmful impacts of poor roost management.  

Read our blog post here.


OTHER UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES


Wetlands Day

Wetlands Day

Let's celebrate our Wetlands on February 2! These are not just fascinating, biodiverse ecosystems but they are also so important for flood mitigation, carbon storage, and water quality. Want to celebrate the day with a local organisation?

Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc.
Mundy Creek Landcare: Sat 1 Feb, 4.30pm

BirdLife Australia - Townsville
Town Common Bird Survey: Sun 2 Feb, 6.30am (meet at the entrance near the golf club)


Corals

Townsville's Corals

Would you like to learn more about the amazing world of corals right on our doorstep? Healthy Waters Partnership Dry Tropics has put together an extensive compendium including maps and info graphics that take you on a journey to our regional coral gardens. 

It is really worth a click!


GB Reef

Great Barrier Reef Update

The Reef Authority has released new health update on the Great Barrier Reef. Summer is typically a high risk period, with extreme weather affecting the reef.

Read more about the January 2025 Reef Health Update.


Sweltering Cities

Telling your story of living with extreme heat is a powerful way to convince people to take this issue seriously. Join Sweltering Cities for a free media training to help you share powerful stories.

When: 29th of January 4.30pm AEST

Where: Online

RSVP here


Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Webinar

Do you have questions about renewable energy? Would you like to know how we can plan this transition better? The Queensland Conservation Council is hosting two interesting webinars

Renewable regulation in Queensland (Wed 29th Jan 6pm)

Better practice renewable energy (Wed 5th Feb 6pm) 


Handprint in Sand

Reestablish Truth-Telling

Queensland's new premier canceled the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry, launched in 2024. But stories of transgenerational trauma tell us that there is still a great need for a dialog. 
Sign this petition to reestablish the Path to Treaty Act 2023 and the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry in Queensland. 
banner NQ Dry Tropics

Job Opportunity

NQ Dry Tropics is seeking a Climate Adaptation Coordinator to be based in TownsvilleDroughts and other natural hazards cause significant economic, social and environmental impacts. Climate projections forecast an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The successful candidate will play a key role strengthening the resilience of primary producers and agricultural communities across the Burdekin region.

Read more about the job description and where to apply here


Crystal & Luna Eco Fiesta

Volunteer With Us!

Volunteers help us achieve so much, and allow us to continually punch above our weight! Volunteering with us can help you to build new skills, gain experience, meet like-minded people and make a meaningful difference! 

Follow the link to check out current volunteering opportunities.

Not sure how to help out? Contact us directly via email or phone and we'll connect you with an opportunity that suits your interests and availability.


Like What You've Read?

So much of our work is supported by donations from supporters like you!

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.

Please make a donations!


We work on the lands of the Wulgurukaba and Bindal Peoples, and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all North Queensland nations. First Nations sovereignty was never ceded. North Queensland always was and always will be Aboriginal land. 

 


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  • Luna Prince