For decades, toxic dust has been a concern of Townsville residents. Being home to a large industrial port, it is no great surprise that Townsville is exposed to various forms of dust. In late 2014, NQCC commissioned Professor Mark Taylor from Macquarie University to undertake a study of the situation upwind of the port and the ensuing report, Atmospherically Deposited Metal and Metalloid Dust following a presentation to invited port stakeholders.

With climate change well underway and the North Queensland economy in trouble, there has never been a better time to begin the renewable transition to renewable energies.

The latest Mackay-Whitsunday Waterway Health report card continues to highlight the region’s poor water quality despite years of effort and millions of dollars to clean it up. Regulations will be required to improve water quality and protect the Great Barrier Reef.

MRREC has been active in supporting Western Australia remaining GM free.

The logging of jarrah and marri trees in the Mowen Forest will affect threatened animal species such as the Forest Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo, Baudin's Cockatoo, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Orange-bellied Frog and the Quokka. In 2015 our group raised $110,000 in pledges to buy Mowen Forest from the State Government. A cheque was offered to the Premier but he declined to accept it. We also raised more than $10,000 in funds to support protestors who faced fines after participating in non- violent direct action. + visit the Save the Mowen Forest camp.