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.

Meanwhile, in Azerbaijan, global climate talks have again brought disappointment, with several commitments on climate action and funding for adaptation falling far short of the mark.

In times of crisis, what do we do with our frustration, fear and grief? We connect with our community, celebrate wins, show solidarity and take action. You will find opportunities for all of these things (and more) in this edition of Paperbark.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

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. 

NQCC is staunchly independent, non-partisan and committed to our mission, our values and our community. With your support, we'll only get stronger.

Become a member, make a donation or read on for opportunities to get involved. Together, we'll continue to be a strong voice for the environment in North Queensland and protect the irreplaceable natural values of our beautiful region.

This Sunday, I'll be heading to Aotearoa for a few weeks to reset and recharge with some long hikes and cold weather. Please take good care, and reach out to Luna to support her great work in my absence.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

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

Happy Environment Day! Despite the crises our natural world is facing, its resilience and beauty is always worth celebrating. I hope you have found a way to do this today.

It's a jam-packed edition of Paperbark, because in typical North Queensland fashion, as the weather cools down, events heat up!

In the past few weeks, we've quizzed at Green Drinks, gathered with members at a General Meeting and mingled with locals at Ecofiesta! The month ahead is looking just as busy, so make sure to mark our events in your diary!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

As the humidity finally begins to ease off, it's hard to believe how fast the year is flying past!

April saw some pretty big wins for grassroots movements close to home, including the rejection of the controversial Chalumbin wind project in the wet tropics, tougher penalties for irresponsible dog owners, and anti-coal activist Murrawah Johnson winning the Goldman Environmental Prize. Regional Queenslanders are making big waves!

Here at NQCC, Luna has brought energy and creativity to her role as Community Campaigner, and organised her very first action on Monday morning! It was loads of fun, and there's plenty more coming up for the rest of the 12 days of action!

I hope you enjoy this edition of Paperbark. There really is something for everyone this month!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

March in North Queensland saw another mass coral bleaching event, flash flooding and the highest king tides many of us have ever seen. 

Our climate is growing more chaotic, our environment is facing increasing pressures and our political landscape appears to be increasingly dynamic and unpredictable. Here at NQCC, we're building our capacity, to ensure North Queensland's environment has a powerful voice in these challenging times.

February was a particularly wet month for North Queensland, but it wasn't enough to dampen our spirits! We presented at a committee hearing for the Energy Transformation and Jobs Bill, engaged with students at JCU's O-Week Market Day, attended a Delegates Conference with civil society leaders from across the Queensland Community Alliance, held several energising volunteer meetings at our office and hosted a Mayoral Candidates' Forum - not bad for the shortest month of the year!

I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well, amid the climate chaos that has been playing out over the past few weeks. Sadly, this is exactly the kind of summer we were expecting. 

As 2023 draws to a close, climate change is once again back in the spotlight - globally, with COP28, nationally, with natural disasters impacting communities all around the country, and here in Queensland, where we now boast one of the most ambitious emissions reduction targets in the country.