This month, the Australian Government outlined our climate future scenarios with the release of their first National Climate Risk Assessment. If this had you feeling grief-stricken, angry or numb, you're not alone. The following week, they released a climate target that looks much like a balancing act between taking action and ensuring our country's biggest polluters can still turn a healthy profit. 

What can we do about it?

With North Queensland as a key region in our state's energy transition, we need to make sure we get renewables right - and we want your input! We also need to prioritise climate adaptation that harnesses the power of nature and the strengths of our community. Our open letter to decision-makers lays out our expectations - let us know ASAP if your organisation wants to sign on!

We also need to look after each other - and throughout October, Luna is leveraging our wonderful local networks to provide meaningful opportunities for connection, reflection and empowerment. 

With the support of a strong, renewed Management Committee and supporters like you, we remain hopeful for the future. Please enjoy the read.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

One of the most delightful aspects of leading a community organisation is interacting with our exceptional community.

This month, Luna has brought people together through several vibrant community events and I've had the pleasure of facilitating workshops to map nature priorities for our region's renewable energy transition. Meanwhile, passionate volunteers have been hitting the streets and the phones selling tickets in our e-bike raffle fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who has helped make August so fruitful!

I suggest you have your diary close by while you browse this edition of Paperbark, because September promises to be just as action-packed, and you won't want to miss a thing!

Thanks as always for your continued support. I can't wait to see you at our AGM to celebrate our successes together!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

This month, a federal court found that the Australian Government has no legal duty to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change. While we share the heartbreak of this outcome, the case shone a light on the responsibility of governments to take real climate action. This was reinforced by the recent warning from the International Court of Justice that countries failing to act on climate may be in breach of international law.

On the biodiversity front, the parliamentary committee assessing a crocodile management bill put forward by Katter MP Shane Knuth has recommended its rejection, highlighting the effectiveness of awareness campaigns for public safety over the need for culling.

Thank you to everyone who made submissions to the bill, highlighting the ecological and cultural significance of North Queensland's estuarine crocs and the need for their protection - what a win!

As you'll see in this edition of Paperbark, we're fighting the good fight on all fronts, so however you show up - volunteering, donating or just a kind message of support - it all means a lot to us!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

As I write this, I am humbled by the donations that continue to roll in for our EOFY Appeal, which this year has been doubled by a generous matched donor. At this rate, we're on track to hit our $4000 goal, which will become $8000 towards our ambitious plans for the future. I know times are tough, so if you have managed to chip in this year, please know it means the world to us!

As you'll see, June has been an exciting, fast-paced month, where volunteers have contributed more than 250 hours combined! Luna and I are so grateful to the people around us who truly bring our organisation to life. 

Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark and keep doing the great things you do for nature and your community, whatever that may be.

Sunday's Climate & Energy Rally was a simple yet powerful demonstration of the wisdom, compassion and strength of this community.

It was a great reminder that, no matter where the chips fall this weekend, there will always be people ready to stand up and speak out against the injustices facing nature, climate and vulnerable communities.

With just four weeks until the federal election, we know a lot of you will be busy campaigning, researching, sharing information and having important conversations with your friends and family.

We're working hard to ensure local candidates put nature and climate up high on their policy agendas. They need to know that the long-term protection of our environment matters to voters, which is why every action counts!

This month, the dust has been settling across the state following the October election. While we are reaching out to our new MPs, uncertainty remains around several policy pieces of importance to us, including our energy transition and the path to treaty.

The urgency for climate action has never been higher, with North Queensland getting an early taste of summer. This month, Mount Isa recorded 11 consecutive days over 40 degrees and 64 power poles were burnt beyond repair in recent bushfires in our region.

This week, Queenslanders decide who will lead our state for the next four years. Thanks to QCC's election survey and scorecard, we know where the parties stand on environmental issues. This election, we risk losing a lot of things we've fought so hard for in recent years, including ambition for climate action and environmental protection. 

The fewer environmental champions there are in government, the more that are needed in the community - and that's where we come in. 

We started July with some exciting NAIDOC Celebrations. In August we will also commemorate three years of the reoccupation at Waddananggu and the ongoing resistance against Adani's land-grabbing.

It is vital that we Keep The Fire Burning. Show your support for Climate and First Nations Justice by attending our backyard screening of Walanbaa Ngiiyani - Stronger Together, depicting our shared fight against the coal industry. 

It's halfway through 2024 and I am so stoked with the support we've received so far this year! 

Thank you so much to everyone who got behind our EOFY appeal last month! Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $7,500, which will go directly into delivering our current projects and campaigns. Miss the 30 June deadline? No problem - we accept donations all year round! Visit our donation page to learn how to donate today.

NAIDOC Week is also upon us this week, so be sure to get along to a local event if you can to show your support for this important week. 

June was an incredible month, and July is full of fantastic opportunities to make a difference, connect with others, gain new skills, get inspired and fill your cup! Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator