If you've spent any time in North Queensland, there is a good chance you've come across some of our native flying foxes. The Townsville region is home to two species: Black Flying-foxes and Little Red Flying-foxes. They are long-range pollinators, critical to the health of our ecosystems.

In December 2024, the Julia Creek Vanadium and Energy Project (by QEM Ltd.) was declared a coordinated project by  Queensland’s Coordinator-General. So, what do we know about this North Queensland project?

Townsville's urban forest is an invaluable asset to the city. Our trees and other vegetation provide shade, shelter and habitat, prevent erosion, mitigate the impacts of flooding and store carbon. They are arguably our best weapon for adapting to climate change and preventing biodiversity loss.

Phil Gibson was one of many Townsville locals who has enjoyed visiting the Port Access Nature Reserve - a beautiful bushy area bounded by creeks and mangroves on the south side of Townsville. When he found it heavily littered with all manner of illegally dumped waste, he knew he had to do something to restore that special place.

In 2020, Phil's Bush Cleanup was born, and so began the arduous (but ultimately worthwhile) process of lining up paperwork to gain permission to carry out voluntary work on the site, owned by the Qld Department of Environment and Science. He approached NQCC, who, as an incorporated association with the appropriate insurance, could support his application to work on government-owned land. We jumped at the chance to collaborate and have been thrilled with what we've been able to support Phil to achieve!