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.

In late November, NQCC was contacted by Nekina Whap - a local woman with family ties to Lag Mabuiag in Zenadh Kes. She had been following the "Our Islands, Our Home" case, led by the #TorresStrait8 and was personally touched and distressed by the impacts of sea level rise on low-lying islands throughout the Torres Strait. Watching the Australian Government celebrate NAIDOC Week triggered an overwhelming sense of anger for Nekina - "What do we have to celebrate? When this is happening in our country?". She knew she had to bring more attention to the issue.