In a massive win for conservation in North Queensland, a bill that would see crocodiles culled has failed to pass the scrutiny of the Parliamentary Committee. Its scathing report found that the approaches outlined in the bill were unnecessary, ineffective and not backed by science. 

Pictured: Astrid (centre) with NQCC staff team Luna (left) and Crystal (right).

I am Astrid, and this week I have been with NQCC for work experience from Pimlico State High School. I have enjoyed it very much! Throughout the week I observed meetings, helped with the planning of events, preparations of workshops, writing blogs, and connecting with NQCC members like the Landcare group. I now have a better idea of the importance of maintaining and forming new relationships with stakeholders and communities.

Pictured: Representatives from nine Regional Conservation Councils attended the May 2025 Queensland Ministerial Environment Roundtable in Meanjin/Brisbane.

Coordinator Crystal Falknau represented NQCC at the first Environment Roundtables of 2025, including the first Ministerial Roundtable under the newly-elected Crisafulli Government. 

The Queensland Government is considering the Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2025, a deeply flawed proposal that threatens both crocodile conservation and community safety. This Bill would weaken existing protections, allow for unsustainable harvesting and culling, and undermine the rights of First Nations peoples.

On a brief visit to North Queensland, 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). 

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.