As we round out 2022, we'd love to thank you for your support throughout the year. Taking actions, attending events, chipping in money when you can... it all makes our work come to life!

We are holding an end-of-year gathering this Saturday afternoon (more details below) and we hope you can join us!

Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark!

In this edition:

• NQCC Updates:
  
  • NQCC Trivia
  • Burdekin Basin updates
  • Qld Environment Symposium
  • NAB Action
  • Green Drinks
• Coming Up
  • NQCC Xmas Party
• Opportunities
• Further Reading/Actions

NQCC UPDATES

NQCC Fundraising Trivia

Our 2022 Trivia Night Fundraiser was held last month at the Belgian Gardens Senior Citizens Hall. It was a fantastic evening of fun, corruption and plenty of laughter thanks to eleven enthusiastic teams and our incredible volunteers.

Thanks to our attendees, raffle ticket purchasers, volunteers and prize sponsors we raised Over $4900! Money raised will support our environmental advocacy work here in beautiful North Queensland.

Burdekin Basin Updates

An expert review has deemed the Bradfield Scheme "completely unviable" (also "economically and environmentally unsustainable"), due to a lack of available water in the Basin. 

Queensland's Water Minister has announced that the overdue review of the Burdekin Basin Water Plan will commence next year. This is the overarching piece of legislation that determines how water within the Burdekin Basin can be used, and by whom. We have been pushing for this review to commence for some time now, and are glad to hear this news. 

The Queensland Government has endorsed raising the Burdekin Falls Dam by 2m. Even a small raise will have devastating environmental consequences - upstream and downstream of the dam. We will continue to engage with SunWater and follow any developments closely.

Qld Environment Symposium

Last week, Queensland Conservation Council hosted their very first Queensland Environment Symposium at Walkabout Creek. This full day event brought together conservationists, funders, politicians and First Nations folk from all over Queensland, to connect, share and learn.

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek used the event to announce the government’s long-awaited response to Professor Graham Samuel's 2020 review of the EPBC Act, which you can read more about via the link below. 

We were grateful for the opportunity to hand deliver a joint letter (with Mackay Conservation Group's Imogen Lindenberg) to Minister Plibersek, calling on her to consider impacts of dams on the Great Barrier Reef.

We also showcased the collaborative, state-wide campaign for a strong, independent EPA for Queensland, which you can read more about here. 

#NotAnotherDollar NAB Action

Last month, a dozen locals set up outside the Flinders St NAB branch in Townsville to send a message that funding fossil fuels is no longer acceptable. We handed out flyers to customers and employees, which started some good conversations.

This was part of a nationwide action, which demonstrates to NAB that they will be held to account for their investment decisions all around the country. Big thanks to Madde for leading the action and to everyone who took part!

Green Drinks

We'd love to thank everyone who joined us for Green Drinks throughout 2022! We made plenty of new connections (and friends!), enjoyed some tasty food and beverages, met some cute wildlife, learned lots about local "green" stuff going on, and kept each others' heads up when times got tough. 

We connected more than 60 individuals at Green Drinks events throughout the year, and can't wait to kick off 2023 with you all!

Keep up to date by joining our Green Drinks mailing list or our Facebook group!

COMING UP

NQCC Xmas Breakup

2022 has delivered its fair share of twists and turns, and we've been working hard to protect the future of North Queensland's environment. Now that we are nearing the year's end and we have a chance to catch our breath at last, we'd love to get together with the people who have been a part of our year.

Please join us in our leafy backyard at 114 Boundary St in Railway Estate from 4pm on Saturday 17 December. The bar will be open and you are welcome to BYO non-alcoholic beverages and a plate of nibbles to share if you'd like to. Whether you're a long-time NQCC supporter or have encountered us for the first time recently, we'd love this opportunity to spend time with you.

Opportunities

Write Letters to the Editor

Would you like to see more climate and conservation letters in our local papers? You could contribute! With the support of experienced letter writers, you can help change the narrative in local publications. Interested? Go here and select "I'd like to write letters to the editor". We'll be in touch with more information!  

Save Coffee Grounds From Landfill

Do you have some free time on Tuesdays or Fridays? Want to help prevent coffee grounds ending up in landfill? Contact David on 0416 662 410 to assist the Smart Coffee Project with deliveries! 

Further Reading/Actions

Have Your Say on the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 by Friday 16 December.

Watch this webinar recording to learn about CAFNEC's work to address the challenges in the intersection between biodiversity conservation and renewable energy infrastructure.

Check out Windlab's Fact Centre for the proposed Upper Burdekin Wind Farm.

Read NQCC's recent submission on the Lake Eyre Basin Draft Strategic Plan. 

Watch GBRMPA's most recent Reef Health Update (and subscribe on YouTube for regular updates). 

Good news story! Glencore pulls out of Valeria coal mine project in Central Queensland.

Did you know that you can report littering and illegal dumping online? 

Thank you for helping us stand up for our climate and nature. Your support means the earth to us.

Yours naturally,

Crystal and Tiff
North Queensland Conservation Council