We live in one of the most beautiful locations in the world with the iconic Great Barrier Reef Marine Park right on our doorstep, along with many other fragile ecosystems that provide shelter and food for marine animals including many endangered species. Unfortunately these ecosystems and marine animals are under threat not only from the effects of climate change but also from marine debris.

THE STORY OF PLASTIC is a 90-minute film that takes a sweeping look at the man-made crisis of plastic pollution and the worldwide effect it has on the health of our planet and the people who inhabit it. The film illustrates the ongoing catastrophe and features interviews with experts and activists on the front lines of the fight. With engaging original animation, archival industry footage beginning in the 1930s, and first-person accounts of the unfolding emergency, the film distills a complex problem that is increasingly affecting the planet’s and its residents’ well-being.

THE STORY OF PLASTIC is presented by The Story of Stuff Project, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the way that we make, use, and throw away Stuff so that it is more sustainable, healthy, and fair.

Well, it's been a March like no other. COVID-19 has changed life as we know it and thrown many families into tough times they weren't expecting. Our thoughts go out to those in our community experiencing hardship and we encourage you to reach out if you are in need of any kind of support.

The impacts of this pandemic cannot be overstated. But, as we come together as a global community to protect those most vulnerable to this virus, we are learning valuable lessons about what it takes for governments and citizens to make big changes. These lessons will serve us well in our fight for climate justice. 

While our year ahead is clouded with confusion and uncertainty, we will use this opportunity to encourage a paradigm shift to ensure that the future we build when the dust settles is the kind of future we have all been working towards - one where our environment is valued and sustainability is key. For an inspirational take on the situation, as well as some points about the importance of the EPBC Act Review, read this article published in The Guardian on the weekend.

Thank you in advance for your support during this time. Stay connected, stay healthy and stay at home if you can.

In this edition:

• Farewell from Tarquin
• Climate Conversations Project
• What you can do about single-use plastics
• EPBC Act Review
• (Virtual) Green Drinks
• Member of the Month

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!

This is a guest post by NQCC's current secretary, Priscilla Peto. Priscilla took up the challenge of "Plastic Free July" three years ago and shares with us her experiences and lessons since her last blog post two years ago. The views expressed in this post are the author's and not necessarily those of NQCC.

It's been a good three years of trying to reduce plastic in my life, and two years since I wrote about it with NQCC to mark Plastic Free July - an initiative founded in Perth by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz. 

To my delight, I've found the practice has become quite widespread with my friends, family, and colleagues. Especially since the plastic bag ban was implemented in July 2017. It's been great to see individual efforts increase, but we must not forget our job in pressuring our Local, State and Federal Governments to legislate real change.

Welcome to the July Paperbark! Check out all the wonderful events happening around our community this month! NQCC is recruiting - an ad will appear on Ethical Jobs over the coming days. If you are interested in joining the NQCC team, email NQCC President Gail Hamilton at [email protected]

News

‘Chasing Coral’ film event

NQCC is proud to be delivering a local screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary ‘Chasing Coral’. This film records coral beaching around the world using time lapse cinematography. After the film there will be a Q&A panel with Dr Charlie Veron who is featured in the film, Tony Fontes who is a dive instructor and Reef campaigner from Airlie Beach, and Dr David Wachenfeld who is the Director of the Reef Recovery Program at GBRMPA. A must-see event!

Where: James Cook University, Medical Lecture Theatre 45.002
When: 6:30pm for 7pm start
Click here to RSVP for your FREE ticket!

Kevin’s Corner court case decision

On 4 July the Queensland Land Court handed down its decision to uphold the mining lease and environmental authority for the Kevin’s Corner coal mine in the Galilee Basin. NQCC commenced legal action in 2015 challenging that the cumulative impact assessment was not properly conducted. Read our full media release and background information here.

Welcome to the July edition of Paperbark! At the time of writing, the dust is still settling from the Federal Election. We know that the Liberal National coalition will continue, the seat of Herbert is still undecided, and it will be weeks before the final make-up of the Senate is confirmed. In this issue: Election wrap – Plastic Free July – Coal Dust – Butterfly trip to Maggie – Citizen science bird study

Election Wrap-Up

The future for climate campaigning at a Federal politics level is uncertain. Although some of the worst blockers in the last Parliament have exited, many voters rejected the major parties and voted for populist minor parties, such as Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

This is not good news for action on climate change. A Parliament under the influence of right-wing climate action blockers, puppeteered by the coal and gas industry, is going to make the fight for climate justice much more difficult.