With the state election upon us, it's been a pretty hectic time! We've been busy advocating for the environment in meetings with MPs and candidates, producing our Environment Report Card and even joining a colourful media launch behind QCC's "Power Up Queensland" Report! 

While the next few years of Queensland's environmental policies hang in the balance this weekend, we know that we have a lot of work to do, regardless of the outcome. Luckily, we have a broad and powerful network of supporters in people like you.

You can show your support in a number of ways, such as participating in some of our events! There are some exciting things coming up in November and we hope that you can get involved in some way.

Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark...

In this edition:

• NQCC News:
  
  • Qld Environment Report Card
  • Power Up North Queensland
• Upcoming Events 
  • Bushland Beach Clean Up
  • Fundraising Trivia Night!
  • Final Green Drinks of 2020
• Local Activities:
  • Climate Quiz & Solar Farm Tour
• Online Activities:
  • Community Organising Training

NQCC News

Queensland Environment Report Card

Want to know where North Queensland's biggest parties stand on important issues such as climate change, national parks and Indigenous ranger programs? Luckily, we've done the research for you! Look no further than our Environment Report Card. 

We focused our research on the four most powerful parties in our region, but if you haven't voted yet, we encourage you to do your own research into any other parties who are running candidates in your electorate. Happy voting! 

Power Up North Queensland!

"Queensland actually has a multitude of options for how it might achieve 100% renewable and reliable and affordable electricity supply." - Tristan Edis, Green Energy Markets.

A report commissioned by Queensland Conservation Council found that a transition to 100% renewable energy is not only possible, but could also create fantastic long-term full-time job opportunities for Queenslanders, including almost 1,400 in our region!

To share the findings of the report, we hosted a webinar earlier this month, to hear directly from Tristan Edis, one of the Australian energy system experts who co-authored the report. 

Then, to highlight QCC's release of the report, NQCC joined forces with Solar Citizens and AYCC in a colourful demonstration to express our excitement for the renewable future of our region!

1400 clean energy jobs for Townsville (and surrounds)!

If you'd like to take action for renewables, you can do so in the following ways... 

• Email your MP with this template
• Check out Solar Citizens' Queensland Renewable Scorecard
• Sign QCC's Power Up Queensland petition
• Sign onto AYCC's #RenewableRecovery open letter

Upcoming Events

Bushland Beach Clean-Up

Keen to head to the beach for a morning of meaningful work while making new friends? Join us at the Bushland Beach Playground (next to the pub) anytime between 8am and 12pm on Saturday 7 November for a beach clean-up supported by ReefClean!

If an hour or two is all you can spare that’s great! We need rubbish pickers first up and sorters and data collectors from mid morning onwards. The clean-up data you collect will go into the Australian Marine Debris Database to help us track litter to its source and prevent it from entering the waste stream and harming our Great Barrier Reef.

We will have a gazebo set up on the day where you must register to volunteer. Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitiser and water for refilling will be provided, as well as bags, gloves and pickers for rubbish collection.

Please ensure that you wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and sunscreen and closed-in shoes or boots if possible. Don't forget to bring your own water bottle and snacks!

Please do not park in the Pub car park to the right of the Pub. Please park in the car park to the left of the Pub closest to the playground.

To help us get the word out, we have a Facebook event page so you can easily invite your friends! You can also help us confirm numbers by RSVPing via our website (link below). 

What: Beach clean-up
When: Saturday 7 November, 8am - 12pm
Where: Bushland Beach

Trivia Night!

Following the State Election and all of the tension/anticipation/energy that goes along with it, we will certainly need an excuse to let our hair down and have some fun! Join us for our Annual Fundraising Trivia Night and help us to raise some funds for North Queensland's environment!

As attendee numbers are restricted, we ask that teams purchase their tickets in advance, as we will not be selling tickets at the door.

This year you will compete in teams of six. Bonus points will be awarded to the first, second and third teams registered and paid for, so get your team together quickly!

For more details, visit our event page, where you can also purchase tickets!

What: Fundraising Trivia Night
When: 6pm onwards, Friday 13 November
Where: CWA Hall, Denham St, Townsville City

Full ticket $25 | Member ticket $15 | Concession ticket $10

Green Drinks

Join us for the last Green Drinks of the year! We've really enjoyed hosting this monthly event and look forward to one last catch up before the festive season!

Remember, if you'd like to keep in touch with people you meet at Green Drinks, simply exchange details or find them on the Green Drinks Townsville Facebook Group!

What: Social networking event
When: 6pm onwards, Friday 20 November
Where: The Commonwealth Hotel (see on map)

Local Activities

Climate & Renewables Quiz and Solar Farm Tour

Presented by respected First Nations elder Uncle Rusty Butler, and Dr Bill Laing Climate Scientist and Renewable Analyst, this public event adds to their "Mr Climate’s Renewable Playschool" series, presented at various Townsville daycares.

The Quizzical Tour will be on a Sunday afternoon in the beautiful bushland campus of James Cook University Daycare, in a shady, Covid-compliant setting. Come on your own or bring your family for a fun and educational quiz, with great prizes to be won!

At the end of the quiz, you'll leave with a small manual and an enriched understanding of climate change, its localised impacts and some of the solutions available to us.

A Coffee Dominion van will be onsite and afternoon tea will be powered by a solar microgrid which you can inspect.

After checking out the latest Tesla electric car, income-earning battery and six-day emergency powerplant, a bus will be provided for a guided tour of Ross River Solar Farm at Kelso, just 15 minutes drive from the Quiz location.

This Solar Farm is the second largest in Australia, with almost half a million solar panels providing electricity for 55,000 homes - bigger than the Townsville region. A solar engineer will answer all your questions on this fully Covid-compliant tour. The bus will return to the Daycare by 5pm.

Entry for the Quiz is free or by donation as your budget permits, and to join the bus tour is $10.

What: Climate & Renewables Quiz
When: Sunday 15 November, 1-3pm
Where: JCU Daycare (outdoors)
Cost: Free or by donation

What: Tour of Ross River Solar Farm
When: Sunday 15 November, 3.30-5pm
Where: Leaving JCU Daycare
Cost: $10

To register, contact Bill Laing on 0439 891 452 or email [email protected]. Payment accepted upon arrival.

Online Opportunities

Community Organising Training

Ever wanted to upskill in Community Organising? This may be your chance!

Four Community Alliances across Australia and Aotearoa NZ have collaborated to deliver this online training opportunity - and you're invited!

The program will be delivered over two weeks from mid-late November, over seven 1.5 and 2 hour modules. These online modules will be delivered after business hours, by a diverse team of experienced organisers from around Australia and across the ditch.

As well as learning new concepts and tools for community organising, this is also an opportunity to develop a diverse public network of people who share an interest in organising for the common good.

Due to NQCC's involvement with the Queensland Community Alliance, this training is free for NQCC members! Interested? Excited? Express your interest with Peter Hanley at [email protected].

***

Thank you for all that you do for our environment - the big things and the small! As the State Election looms, it is helpful to remind ourselves of the power we each have.

See you on the other side of Saturday night! 

Yours naturally,

The team at NQCC