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.

This edition of Paperbark is short and sweet, but don't get the idea things are slowing down around here!

In addition to the updates below, we are currently working on preparations for the next Environment Ministerial Roundtable, a mayoral candidates' forum, annual planning for 2024 (you can help by completing our supporter survey!) and plenty more.

There have certainly been some challenging times this month. The referendum saw a powerful build up of positive momentum, but we see now just how much work is left to do towards First Nations justice - particularly here in North Queensland. Rejection of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament has made us even more determined to listen, learn and be guided by some of the oldest living cultures in the world. From the feedback we've received from so many of you, we know this determination is shared. 

With September coming to a close, we're hitting a spicy time of year! We're in full swing preparing for our upcoming AGM, making submissions, meeting with Council, presenting to community groups and mobilising in the lead-up to the Voice to Parliament referendum!

I hope this finds you well!

I have just returned from the Queensland Environment Minister's Roundtable - the first for the new Minister, Leanne Linard. Here, we pushed for strong leadership on climate and habitat protection, and walked the new Minister through the detail and nuance of our issues. Linard listened intently, and left with a clear understanding of the state of Queensland's environment and the strength of our movement.  

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who dug deep throughout our EOFY Appeal, helping us to hit our $5,000 fundraising target! Combined with the powerful impact of our monthly donors, this generous response makes us excited to grow bigger and bolder, knowing we have a passionate supporter base in our corner! (Donate anytime here!) 

As I write this, the 2022/23 financial year is coming to a close (where did it go?!) and NAIDOC Week is just around the corner. This year's theme is "For Our Elders". If you haven't found some events or other ways to get involved yet, you can hit up the NAIDOC website for events and resources!

As we welcome the cooler weather here in the tropics, the local events calendar is starting to heat up - exciting times ahead!

Hopefully you have found a way to celebrate Reconciliation Week, whether by attending an event, starting conversations with friends or exploring some of the resources available online.

The big news out of the past few weeks of course, is the appointment of Leanne Linard as Queensland's Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef, Science and Multicultural Affairs. This poses an opportunity to impress upon her the importance of this portfolio and to highlight our region's environmental challenges and opportunities. 

In this edition of Paperbark, you will find plenty of ways to support our work - by volunteering with us, attending our events, or by donating to our End of Financial Year appeal! Thank you for whatever it is you do to support our work. Enjoy the read!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator 

In this edition:

• NQCC Updates
  
  • NQCC 50th Birthday Project
  • Our Townsville - community event
  • Listening Campaign
  • Burdekin Update
  • EOFY appeal
• In Other News
  • Upper Burdekin Wind Farm Update
  • Reef Snapshot
  • Channel Country campaign

To me, there is nothing more energising than working with others towards a common cause.

Much of our work is possible thanks to collaborative relationships, which tend to culminate into powerful collective action! We have been privileged to work with some incredible organisations and individuals lately, as you will see below. 

Our subcommittees and volunteers have also been hard at work behind the scenes, allowing us to punch well above our weight as the voice for the environment in North Queensland!

There are plenty of opportunities to Take action! in this edition, so I hope that you enjoy the read and take a moment to add your voice or sign up where you can.

Thank you as always for your support! I hope you enjoy this edition of Paperbark as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator 

In this edition:

• NQCC Updates:
  
  • Protect Channel Country
  • An EPA for Queensland
  • Townsville Listening Launch
  • Green Drinks
• In Other News
  
  • Upper Burdekin Wind Farm
  • Winchester South Coal Mine
  • Our Islands, Our Home
  • Power Together
  • Container Refund Scheme
• Volunteer Opportunities
  • Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare
  • The Smart Coffee Project
  • NQCC