Read our submission to the Queensland Government's consultation on the Draft Renewables Regulatory Framework.

The Great Barrier Reef is renowned for its ecological importance and beauty. However, it is under increasing threat from a range of pressures including climate change, poor water quality from Reef catchments, extreme weather events and recent extensive coral bleaching.

The Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017–2022 is a joint commitment of the Australian and Queensland governments that seeks to improve the quality of water flowing from Reef catchments to the Great Barrier Reef.

In October 2024, NQCC provided feedback to this plan.

Following a submission made in late 2023, NQCC was invited to present to Queensland's Transport and Resources Committee on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023. Our Coordinator was one of just four representatives to speak at the Townsville hearing, and the only one providing a conservation perspective. We spoke in support of the Bill, and highlighted potential improvements (read our opening statement here). 

In the lead up to the 2020 Queensland election, we were thrilled to see a commitment from Queensland Labor to "investigate and consult on the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency which other states have to protect our environment, create jobs, and support economic growth." 

In April 2023, NQCC made a submission to the Public Environment Report for Gawara Baya (previously known as the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm). 

In September 2023, NQCC made a submission to State Code 23: wind farm assessment and the associated planning guidance.

In September 2023, NQCC made a submission to the Draft Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap.

In February 2023, the Albanese Government consulted on the proposed design of the Safeguard Mechanism Reform. 

Image source: Townsville City Council's Public Consultation Report

After approximately six months of engaging with Townsville City Council (alongside other community members and groups) regarding their approach to vegetation protection, residents were given the opportunity to provide feedback on TCC's Draft Public Tree Management Policy.

The opportunity to provide feedback closed on Wednesday 13 October, with 70 submissions received. Read on for more information on what we have learned since...

The Queensland Government recently announced a new policy regulating trans-shipping (unloading and reloading at sea) of coal off Queensland including within the Great Barrier Reef. While this looks like increasing protections it breaks a commitment by the Labor Party to not allow trans-shipping in reef waters by making exceptions for "designated ports", like Abbot Point. With a quick turn around date for the proposed regulation NQCC made a submission, available here: Trans-shipping_submission.pdf.

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