Loving where we live - and making it cooler for everyone
For National Heat Awareness Day, NQCC spent the morning at the markets talking with the community about something we all know well in North Queensland: heat. A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers who came along and had thoughtful conversations with people about how heat shapes daily life in Townsville.
Read moreHeat as a Natural Hazard in Queensland
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Heat as a Natural Hazard in Queensland
Queenslanders are experiencing extreme heat more frequently than ever before, with serious impacts on our health, wellbeing and productivity.
Heatwaves already claim more lives than any other natural hazard in Queensland, according to the State of the Environment Report 2024. Yet our planning system still does not recognise heat as a natural hazard.
NQCC is supporting a parliamentary petition calling on the Queensland Government to modernise the State Planning Policy so heat risk is considered alongside floods, bushfires and cyclones - ensuring all future development supports healthy, resilient communities in a warming climate.
To reduce Queenslanders’ exposure to extreme and cumulative heat, planning and urban design must prioritise cost-effective natural solutions such as green spaces, shade and tree canopy, particularly around homes, community hubs and transport routes.
Recognising heat as a natural hazard is a critical first step to protecting community health, reducing heat-related illness and saving lives.
This would be the first step in addressing heat risk in Queensland, with a suite of necessary measures to follow, such as better protections for workers, community education for newcomers, better access to affordable air-conditioning, and more support for emergency services, healthcare providers and wildlife carers.
Beyond the petition
Alongside pushing for state-level change, NQCC is also learning from and advocating with communities locally. We want to better understand:
- what the biggest heat pressures are across North Queensland and urban Townsville
- who is most affected by extreme heat
- where community action and local solutions can make the biggest difference
- Your experience helps shape this work!
If you agree that heat should be recognised as a natural hazard in Queensland, follow the steps below!
Take action — it’s easy
Step 1: Sign on to our campaign below to stay connected and receive updates
Step 2: Leave a comment sharing how extreme heat has affected you or your community
Step 3: You’ll receive an email with a link to sign the official parliamentary petition
Paperbark January
I hope our first edition of Paperbark for 2026 finds you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for anything!
If you've entered the new year with a strong desire to: learn new skills, meet new people, live your values, take action in your community, or simply spend more time in nature, then we've got you sorted!
This year promises to be filled with opportunities to "think global, act local", with hands-on conservation activities, citizen science, political advocacy, fundraising, film nights, networking and more!
We look forward to having you join us this year in our strategic efforts for stronger nature protection and climate action. Thanks for standing with us!
- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator
This was Trivia 2025!
Last Saturday, the Townsville Senior Citizens Centre was buzzing with energy as 111 players across 15 teams battled it out at NQCC’s Trivia Night 2025. It was our biggest trivia night to date — and what a night it was!
October Paperbark
Having just recently returned from meetings, roundtables, workshops and an Alliance Convention in Meanjin/Brisbane, I am equal parts exhausted and inspired.
There are remarkable, intelligent, compassionate and hard-working people all across this state who are dedicated to our natural world and protecting it in perpetuity. When we collaborate and put our strengths together, we are powerful - and I'm so privileged to get to see it in action!
What's even better is returning home to the (hot!) dry tropics and seeing NQCC's own remarkable community in action!
As I prepare to hit the road for a short break, Luna is organising NQCC's upcoming Mayoral Candidates' Forum, which is shaping up to be an event not to be missed! If you can lend a hand or spare some cash to help bring it to life, I know it would be appreciated!
Thanks for all that you do.
- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator
Finding Cool Spots on a Hot Day - NQCC at Get Ready Day
While most stalls at Get Ready Day at Riverway baked bravely in the sun, NQCC found itself in a rare paradise: a shady tree that became a beacon of relief for passers-by. Ironically, our theme was heat - one of the most underestimated and deadly natural hazards in Australia.
Read moreThe Way Out: Finding Stillness and Connection in Challenging Times
On a quiet Friday evening, our community came together for a special screening of The Way Out - a film that invites us to slow down, reflect, and rediscover what truly sustains us.
Hosted by the North Queensland Conservation Council (NQCC) and supported by Queensland Mental Health Week, the event offered a rare space to connect mindfulness and climate care - two things deeply intertwined in our collective wellbeing.
Read moreGreen Drinks with Plastic Free Townsville
Around 20 locals gathered for our final Green Drinks of the year to hear from Diana Condylas of Plastic Free Townsville (Boomerang Alliance). It was an evening filled with important updates, practical ideas, and great conversation about how we can all help create a low-waste future - at home, in our workplaces, and across the community.
Townsville Climate Risk: What can we do?
The Australian Government's National Climate Risk Assessment is a dire warning for Australian communities - particularly those of us in the North. A warming climate is set to impact our health services, infrastructure, workforce, schooling, insurance and vulnerable community members. We also know that several endemic species are on the brink, and entire ecosystems are at risk of collapse.
So, what can be done about it?
Read morePaperbark September
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