North Queensland Conservation Council

Our National Parks NEED YOU!

Donate to our National Parks Campaign here!

Queensland’s National Parks are rare and tranquil landscapes where biodiversity and natural processes can flourish, virtually untouched by commercial development.

Disturbingly however, the Queensland Government is now putting National Parks at risk by offering private, long-term leases to commercial operators within National Parks.  Now, no National Park is safe from development including North Queensland’s very own Hinchinbrook Island National Park.  This kind of development leads to companies gaining a monopoly on accommodation and trails within National Parks, threatening the area's environmental values while reducing free access to National Parks for members of the public and other responsible tourism operators.

By ensuring privately owned accommodation and facilities are situated OUTSIDE National Park boundaries, the Queensland Government can support regional employment opportunities AND restore the appropriate level of protection for Queensland's National Parks. 

Background

In October 2018, the Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development (DITID) Kate Jones, in partnership with Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch, released an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process on Hinchinbrook Island NP (Thorsborne Trail), Whitsunday Island NP (Whitsunday Island Trail) and Great Sandy NP (Cooloola Great Walk). The EOI gives proponents opportunity to develop and operate eco-accommodation and tour guidance within the boundaries of these three National Parks.

The Government is prepared to provide the successful proponent with state-owned land within these National Parks for accommodation, including exclusive ground leases for a term of up to 60 years, assistance during the approval process, a “one-government” approach to comply with other government requirements and a contribution of up to $5 million for eco-accommodation built along the Whitsunday Island Trail.

The Queensland Conservation movement is opposed to the current trend of opening up National Parks to commercial interests. This includes (but is not limited to) the EOI process. The Government is attempting a complete change of their business model and hope that the public won't realise the impact on the natural values of our state's most fragile places. When in opposition, both the ALP and the LNP have taken the position that leasing public land is as good as selling it off because Government control is lost over those properties. 

We know how much Australians value National Parks, so we are ensuring that public awareness is high, while putting pressure on the relevant politicians to acknowledge the conservation value of national parks above commercial interests. To secure a safe future for our National Parks, tourism development needs to stay outside their boundaries.

Ok, so this month may not have reached the heights of excitement experienced last month, but July has still been a busy time for us. Much like a duck paddling away under water whilst floating calmly along the surface, we've been working quietly yet furiously behind the scenes. So, while we have no exciting events to reminisce upon this month, we hope you'll enjoy this rather informative edition of Paperbark, containing some important updates on some of our biggest campaigns.

Also, if you've been attempting to limit your use of plastics this month, well done! The most important step is raising awareness around how prevalent it is in our lives and how dangerous it can be for the environment. Feeling overwhelmed by the endeavour to reduce your impact? Read this article.

In this edition:

• Polystyrene balls on Magnetic Island
• "One in a Billion" - Starting Conversations
• National Parks campaign update
• Toolakea Beach Development Submission
• JCU Intern Placements at NQCC
• August Green Drinks
• AGM coming up!

We hope that you have enjoyed time with friends and family this month, and that the Easter Bilby came to visit. Need a pick-me-up after returning to the usual routine after the holidays? Enjoy this good news story about some new baby bilbies here in Townsville. May is absolutely filled with events, so make sure you keep an eye on your inbox and follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date!

In this edition:

• Hinchinbrook stall in Cardwell
• Member Event: Wednesday 1 May
• Clean Energy Rally: Wednesday 8 May 
• Green Drinks: Friday 10 May
• Candidates Forum
• Postcard Art Exhibition Opening: Friday 17 May
• Some Reminders

Welcome to the first edition of Paperbark for 2019! We hope you have entered the New Year with renewed passion and energy for all things conservation, just as we have! This month we just have a few brief notices to keep you up-to-date...

In this edition:

• Save Hinchinbrook Stall - Strand Night Market
• Help us reach 3,000 signatures!
• 'Defend Our Water' - Skill Up & Campaign Launch
• Postcard Art Exhibition - artworks due 31 January
• Containers for Change - how your recycling could help support us
• Green Drinks - it's back, baby!
• Loo Rolls - a quirky fundraiser that feels good
• Work for AYCC in Townsville
• Volunteers Wanted!

Welcome to the final Paperbark for 2016! This month, we are welcoming an intern – Elly Hanrahan, who is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Environmental Science and Global Challenges (Honours). Elly is already proving to be a strong member of our team and is doing great work helping out with campaigns.

In this issue: Mr Adani Visits Townsville – Townsville Port Expansion – Hinchinbrook Island National Park Management Plan – Queensland Environment Roundtable – Postcard Exhibition 2017 - and more!