Since our last Paperbark, we've been kept busy with our AGM and doing our best to keep up with all of the new conservation announcements! It's been a huge few weeks for NQCC and for the movement! We'll keep things brief here, but please reach out if you'd like more information.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Paperbark!

In this edition:

• Conservation News
• NQCC Updates:
  
  • AGM
  • Townsville Tree update
  • Meeting with Senator Penny Allman-Payne
  • Recommendations for Rewiring the Nation
  • Protecting our native forests
• Actions, Events & Opportunities:
  • Energy Planning Law Review - petition
  • Move Beyond Coal Townsville group!
  • Climate, communities & reef research
  • Green Drinks
  • Planet-Conscious Townsville
  • Sundalah Meet & Mingle
• Fundraising Update
  
  • Local Matters 
  • Trivia Night - save the date!
  • Become a monthly donor
  • Buy a t-shirt

CONSERVATION NEWS

Historic Legal Win for Human Rights

The UN Human Rights Committee has found that the Australian Government violated Torres Strait Islanders' rights by failing to protect them from climate change. This comes after years of campaigning by the #TorresStrait8. Read more or listen here. 

Qld Energy and Jobs Plan

The Queensland Government has released their highly ambitious 10-Year Energy and Jobs Plan, with new renewable energy targets of 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035. While this is extraordinarily encouraging after many years of campaigning for a renewable energy transition, we are concerned by the environmental impacts of some elements, such as the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project. We are following this closely, and are committed to ensuring North Queensland's biodiversity and nature are protected as much as possible in this much-needed energy transition. Read more...

Australian Threatened Species Plan

The Australian Government has released their Threatened Species Action Plan, which they claim will halt the extinction crisis and lead us towards zero extinctions. 110 species and 20 places have been prioritised in the $224.5 million plan, which aims to work closely with community, First Nations, and all levels of government. Read more... 

Young Leaders on the Rise

150 young people have rallied in Brisbane with a message to Treasurer Jim Chalmers about the need for a climate-positive budget. The rally was led by members of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and Seed Mob, and followed Power Shift - a 3-day, high-energy, youth climate summit bringing together hundreds of young people to build relationships and learn vital skills to take action for climate justice. Read more...

Townsville FOGO Trial to Continue

Townsville City Council will extend the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) collection until the end of the financial year, after a successful first twelve months. This initiative helps to divert organics from landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which we think is good news all round! Read more...

NQCC UPDATES

2022 AGM

Almost 30 members joined us for our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 5 October, where we presented our achievements for 2021/22 and elected a new Management Committee...

Tree Update

It's been almost one year since Townsville City Council adopted their Public Tree Management Policy, after receiving significant feedback from the local community and environment groups.

We met with some members of the Townsville Tree Advocacy Group and have put some questions together for Council, along with a meeting request. A meeting has now been confirmed, so we'll keep you updated! 

Meeting with Senator Penny Allman-Payne

This week, our Coordinator, President and Vice Presidents met with Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne from Gladstone when she visited as part of her tour of the regions.

Of interest to both of us is the clean energy transition that is coming very rapidly to regions like ours, and how we can ensure communities and nature aren't left behind or sacrificed in the roll-out. We appreciated the opportunity to share perspectives and gain valuable insights, and we look forward to continuing this dialogue.

Recommendations for Rewiring the Nation

The Australian Government’s Rewiring the Nation policy presents an opportunity to build a modern energy network in a way that benefits people and nature. However, the opportunities provided by the energy transition can only be realised if projects garner community support and protect important ecosystems. 

Conservation organisations have been listening to communities on-the-ground where large-scale renewable energy and transmission projects are being developed, and have outlined clear, practical steps to support Rewiring the Nation's success.

The Future of Qld's Native Forests

We have joined eight other conservation groups throughout Queensland to sign onto a joint letter to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, asking that she shows leadership in protecting Queensland's native forests against logging and clearing.

ACTIONS, EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Energy Planning Law Review

One of the key issues with the large scale wind farms rapidly developing in NQ and FNQ is that State Planning Code 23 allows them to be assessed without community consultation, and avoidance of assessment under the Nature Conservation Act.

CAFNEC has been pushing for a review of these laws and were very happy to see that the Qld Energy and Jobs Plan also announced a review of the planning framework for renewable energy development.

Sign the petition to call upon the Hon Steven Miles to ensure that this review is completed with good public consultation and participation. 

Move Beyond Coal

You are invited to join the new Move Beyond Coal Townsville Group - a group of passionate activists, parents, grandparents, young people, workers, retirees and more, who are dedicated to protecting a liveable world!

Planning is underway for a Week of Action from 7-13 November, and you can be involved! Join up and see what action you can help take. No experience necessary - just a passion for keeping coal in the ground!

Local Research Interviewees Wanted

UQ is starting a new research project looking at how environmental change affects local communities in the Reef. You can get involved by participating in a one-on-one interview, or a group discussion, happening in Townsville later this month. For more information about the project, register your interest below or contact Dr Claudia Benham on [email protected].

Green Drinks

Green Drinks will be held from 6pm Friday 21 October at the newly refurbished Rockpool Pavilion on the Strand! Please join us on the verandah for food, drinks and conversation. We'll be joined by Dave Dudley, who will be letting us know a bit about his work with Tidy Up Townsville.

Please RSVP so that we can let the venue know how many of us to expect, and keep an eye on your inbox or Facebook for updates!

Other Networking Opportunities 

Planet-Conscious Townsville aims to bring local businesses, scientists and community members together to work towards a more sustainable future. We highly recommend their networking events if you would like to expand your "sustainable" circle in Townsville, or learn a bit about what initiatives are happening in our community.

Sundalah was created to support the local community to discover ways to live with a healthy mind, body, and a range of positive connections. They inspire, educate, motivate and unite people through healthy lifestyle choices through events, a local directory, annual magazine, monthly newsletter and social enterprise efforts. Their next Meet & Mingle event is scheduled for Sunday 13 November. 

FUNDRAISING UPDATE

Local Matters: We're Popular!

NQCC was one of three local charities featured in the "Local Matters" fundraising initiative at Grill'd in Palmer St throughout September.

Thank you to everyone who dropped a bottle cap in our jar - we got the most votes of the three, which means we receive $300!

NQCC Trivia: Save the Date!

Planning for our Annual Fundraising Trivia event have begun! It will be held on the evening of Saturday 19 November, which isn't far away. Start recruiting your team (6-8 people), and reach out to Tiff ([email protected]) if you'd like to volunteer on the night or donate goods or services! 

Become a Monthly Donor!

Your monthly donation can give NQCC the financial confidence and security to continue working for Climate Action and North Queensland's natural environment long into the future. Set up your monthly donation here.

Donations via direct deposit are also welcome! Please email [email protected] and we will send you the necessary details.

Buy a t-shirt!

You can say a lot with a t-shirt! Visit our online shop or contact Tiff to get your hands on one and help us share the message that North Queenslanders want climate action now! 

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