Last Thursday night, NQCC was one of 16 civil society organisations who participated in the Townsville Community Election Assembly at Kirwan Uniting Church. 163 attendees included people of faith, community centre leaders, environmentalists, unionists, human rights advocates, housing providers and multicultural community leaders, acting together for the common good.

The Queensland Conservation Council has welcomed Labor’s commitment to introduce an independent environmental protection agency (EPA), calling for a bipartisan approach to ensure environmental criminals are held to account.

The announcement comes following a lengthy campaign by a number of environment and community groups and regional conservation councils across the state and also nationally, as well as peak environment group QCC.

The Great Barrier Reef is renowned for its ecological importance and beauty. However, it is under increasing threat from a range of pressures including climate change, poor water quality from Reef catchments, extreme weather events and recent extensive coral bleaching.

The Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017–2022 is a joint commitment of the Australian and Queensland governments that seeks to improve the quality of water flowing from Reef catchments to the Great Barrier Reef.

In October 2024, NQCC provided feedback to this plan.

This week, the Queensland Government announced the update to State Code 23 for wind farms. We have been working with conservation groups throughout Queensland (particularly QCC and CAFNEC) to strengthen the renewable planning frameworks, and we welcome this progress. We will all continue to work hard for further reforms with the next Queensland Government to secure better outcomes for nature, communities and First Nations people. 

Pictured: Sophie George (Capricorn Conservation Council), Crystal Falknau (NQCC) and Imogen Lindenberg (Mackay Conservation Group) represent their regions at the August 2024 Ministerial Roundtable.

Twice a year, peak bodies from Queensland's conservation movement attend a roundtable meeting with the Environment Minister of the day. As the voice for the environment in North Queensland, this is an important opportunity for us to ensure that our decision-makers truly understand the threats facing nature and biodiversity in our region.

Photo supplied by Diana Condylas

Every summer, Queenslanders face increasingly extreme weather events such as floods, storms, cyclones and heatwaves, all exacerbated by climate change. These events not only jeopardise the safety and well-being of our communities but also put an unnecessary strain on our economy.

Townsville residents know we're on the frontlines of climate change, and the need for strong local leadership on climate action and environmental conservation is higher now than ever before.

Last night, NQCC invited Townsville's three mayoral candidates to share their perspectives and priorities on all things related to climate, environment and liveability, as they responded to questions from NQCC and the community.

Following a submission made in late 2023, NQCC was invited to present to Queensland's Transport and Resources Committee on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023. Our Coordinator was one of just four representatives to speak at the Townsville hearing, and the only one providing a conservation perspective. We spoke in support of the Bill, and highlighted potential improvements (read our opening statement here). 

In the beautiful Anderson Gardens, Townsville locals and visitors enjoyed the sights, tastes and activities of Townsville City Council's massive biennial community event, Our Townsville.

The 2022 federal election demonstrated that Australians want stronger action on climate change. We have seen some shifts in the right direction, but we know that there is more to be done to ensure our country plays its part in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.