Queensland Conservation Council History.

1969 Born on the 22 July as the South Queensland Conservation Council, with 12 local groups. Eddie Hegerl was the first QCC Chair. In the first year of operation, issues included the establishment of Cooloola National Park, protecting the Great Barrier Reef, Mt Etna Caves, Round Hill Head housing development protests, Sand mining, Water Pollution, Double Island Point, Miala National Park, Raby Bay canal estate and the Sanford quarry. The secretary, Mrs Eileen Beswick, wrote that after one year, ' …. I feel confident that with an enlarged executive, and hopefully with full-time staff, the conservation movement of Queensland will finally come of age.'

1970-1971 The "Inspect program and Teach-in" which invited students to participate in a variety of projects was begun. The winner of the INSPECT award was Sandgate High School. The QCC regretted the loss of Miss Edwina Butt as the convener of the Education Sub-committee. At the invitation of the Environmental Control Council, the QCC sent Dr A Harold as a representative to sit on the Land Use Advisory Committee alongside other organizations, including the Australian Conservation Foundation. The State and Regional Planning and Development Act 1971 was proclaimed law, as was the Greenvale Agreement Act 1970/71 affecting pollution at the Nickel mine at Yabulu. An art Show was organized by the QCC in November in the city center with paintings by the Art and History Committee, and conservation displays by the member groups. The first State Convention was held by the QCC at Tewantin to help connect the organization and its member groups. Discussion groups were held on wetlands, environmental education and improving communication between conservationists.

1972-1973 'If you are concerned with Man's problems, please invest now in the sincerity, determination and expertise of the Queensland Conservation Council' (Cliff Pickering). The wood chip industry is one of the first confrontations in which conservationists throughout Australia present a united front. The QCC aimed to disseminate information to the people and the Government, covering the issue fully. Begun in 1971, the 1972 campaigns included action against flooding of Lake Pedder, literature against Concorde, help in setting up an action group against Moreton Island sand mining and protests from the Gap Quarry Committee against building proposals. The QCC continued in its fundraising efforts and added to its member base.

1973-1974 QCC now served 50 organizations. Bob Phelps started working full time for the Council as coordinator. The Qld Environment Center, QCC's headquarters, was opened on Nov 30 by Mr Peter Ellis, Director of Environment Control, Coordinator General 's Dept., at 132 Sir Fred Schonell Drive. Conservation issues included Cooloolah sand mining, anti-freeways, Fraser Island Defense Organization, Texas Caves and the Pike Creek Dam. In the People VS The Park Pinchers the QCC aimed to coordinate saving of green space.

1974-1975 QCC now served 66 organizations, and had more than 300 individual associate members. The QCC staff were endeavoring to visit regional conservation groups, and attend their meetings, thus enhancing communication. A grant from the Australian Schools Commission Innovations Program was received ($1500 for an environmental Education Resources Library to be housed at the Environment Center, $400 for Ecopacks for schools and $400 for audio visual aids). In campaign news, The Public Action Transport Group was formed in Brisbane to coincide with National Public Transport week. The Save the Great Barrier Reef campaign returned in earnest when the Premier, Mr Joh Bjelke-Petersen, and the Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, released a summary of the report by the GBR Petroleum Drilling Royal Commission that was in favour of allowing drilling for oil on the reef. The first major pieces of environmental legislation were introduced in Parliament, and National Environmental Protection was now a legal requirement. Morale at QCC was high. "You guys must be everywhere. How do you do it?" said Brisbane Journalist handed yet another QCC press release. "The most obvious feature of QCC operations in the last 12 months has been this ability to operate relatively effectively in many areas at once".

1975-1976 Despite receiving $22,700 as part of a $448,000 grant from the Conservation Grants-in-Aid Category, QCC faced a desperate financial crisis in October, and appealed to members for loans to help bridge the financial gap until the annual National Estate grant was received. Full time staff were cut from 6 to 3. Cooloolah was gazetted as the infamous "donut shaped" National Park (the high dune sand mass at the heart of the Park was excluded). There was some disappointment that the Queensland Government had approved sand mining at Agnes Waters. Efforts to protect Fraser Island continued, with a portion of the island now being mined. QCC increased the intensity of its petitioning. Campaigns against Nuclear Power (Solar energy is suggested as a viable alternative), Kakadu, mining Mt Etna Caves and preventing clear felling of Conondale Range were undertaken. Tor Hundloe was QCC Chair during this period.

1976-1977 A minor victory at the Fraser Island Environmental Inquiry when the High Court ruled against D.M. Minerals, who were challenging the validity of the Environment Protection Act 1974. On 11 November the Federal Cabinet decided export of minerals from Fraser should phased out by 31 December. Congratulations Fraser Island Defenders Organization. Commenting on the Moreton Island sand mining campaign Moreton_Island_1977.pdf "Qld Conservation battles never die….they just smell very, very fishy…' QCC had been supporting both campaigns. The QCC received a grant cheque of $26,250 with strings attached ($2.00 for $1.00 subsidy). Questions were raised about how much time would be spent on fund raising instead of issues? QCC and the Environment Centre moved on Oct 30-31 to 147 Ann St. QCC had 77 member bodies, and the associates became a full member body. In other campaign news, the Iwasaki tourist resort, Ben Lomond uranium mine application and Ranger uranium mine proposal were under scrutiny. The threat of wood chipping continued and, while the Brisbane Forest Park would soon be established, QCC's proposal for protecting the Conondale Range had not been accepted Conondale_Range.pdf. Eileen Beswick was Acting QCC Chair during this period.

1977-1978 The Moreton Island campaign was at a critical stage. The Stradbroke Island Bridge proposal entered the agenda. In other news National Parks were doubled in area to 2 181 929 ha, especially Cape York and Scenic Rim. QCC was appointed by Mr Hinze, the Minister for Local Govt. and Main Roads, as the Advisory Body for the preparation of the promised Environmental Impact Statement. He commented that '…these conservationists - why if they had their way they'd plant gum trees in Queen St. The premier added 'Mr Iwasaki is a great conservationist. He's planted a million trees' (Joh Bjelke-Petersen). The QCC's comment was: 'QCC's well-tried role of providing scientific information, public service contacts, the means for political lobbying, a media release and conference service, and assessments of Environmental Impact Studies, etc has been essential for the effectiveness of this (Iwasaki tourist resort) campaign' (Liz Bourne) Unfortunately, there was a trend towards buckling to economic and political interests in environmental planning which had led to an ad hoc approach at government level. QCC tried to ease fundraising strain, caused by the late receipt of the government grant, by going into partnership with Adrian Hogg from Natural Pest Control in the form of a shop called ALTERNATIVES at 37 Bangalla St, Torwood. The shop marketed information and goods relating to solar energy and alternative lifestyles. The QCC also initiated a printing service. Greg Miller was QCC Chair during this period.

1978-1979 QCC made a major submission to the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation concerning the 'legislative and administrative arrangements relating to environment protection', especially due to the Federal Government mishandling of the Iwasaki tourist resort affair Iwasaki.pdf. The Moreton Island sand mining issue looked positive when Joh Bjelke Petersen announced 90% of the island would become National Park Moreton_Island.pdf. A moratorium and promises of detailed research on oil drilling on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) was a victory for the conservation movement. There was concern in the QCC that the Fraser Govt. would amend and weaken the four acts for environment protection and nature conservation. It was becoming clear that the support at Government level was not forthcoming, and environmental organizations would have to become more self sufficient, using their own fundraising to sustain public service activities. The QCC withdrew from Alternatives, and opened a bookshop which became a source of funds . It continued to provide a printing service for member bodies. John McCabe was QCC Chair during this period.

1979-1980 QCC celebrated its 10th birthday at Mt. Cootha Botanic Gardens Theatre on 22nd July. Speakers included John Sinclair "The State of the Environment", Tor Hundloe "Where We've Been and Where We're Going" and Eileen Beswick "How We Started". It took QCC 8 months of correspondence with Southern Pacific Petroleum to obtain a copy of the Environment Report prepared by Rankine & Hill on the Rundle Oil Shale project. Submissions were made to the Federal Parliamentary Standing Committee and other Government authorities. QCC worked on campaigns including Shoalwater Bay Army Training Area, uranium mining at Ben Lomond, Cape York National Parks, Daintree/Bloomfield River region, kangaroo harvesting, car emission controls, government compliance with environmental legislation, wood chip, the effect of 1080 baits on wildlife and the need for deposits on beverage containers. The Capricornia section of the Great Barrier Reef was finally proclaimed as a marine park. The Minister for Science and Environment, Mr David Thomson, was the first Federal Environment minister to visit the Environment Center and QCC. The QCC launched a recycling pamphlet in keeping with World Environment Day's "Living Better with Less". John McCabe was QCC Chair during this period.

1980-1981 The Australian Heritage Commission listed Moreton Island on their Register of the National Estate based on recommendations of an independent evaluation panel following original nomination of the island by QCC in late 1976. QCC was increasingly concerned about conflicts between tourism and National Parks when Binna Burra lodge proposed to take over a large part of the camping ground at Carnarvon National Park. It was evident that National Parks in Queensland were woefully underfunded by the State Government. Two meetings to discuss management strategies for National Parks were held. The fight to prevent P&O Australia. Ltd from constructing a tourist resort on Wilson Island, a coral cay near Gladstone, began in April 1981, succeeded in Jan 1982, turned to North West Island, then returned to Wilson, when P&O succeed in obtaining a 30 year lease over half the island. Charters Towers Mining Warden recommended rejection of application by Mina Tome Aust. Pty Ltd for uranium mining lease at Ben Lomond. This was thanks to the Townsville Regional Conservation Council who presented a superb case despite poor funding. This issue continued until 1983. The QCC applied it's resources in an education campaign to alert the Bundaburg community groups to the proposed Alcan smelter Alcan_Smelter.pdf. The QCC represented 65 member bodies. The QCC continued to face the dilemma of being inclusive in it's support of not just coastal but inland environmental groups. There was some suggestion that there also needed to be an environment group just to handle Brisbane's issues. In this period the QCC hosted two meetings for regional and local environment groups, and provided a meeting space for groups and campaigns including the Brisbane Wildlife Survey, The Moreton Island protection Committee and Campaigners against Nuclear Power. John McCabe was QCC Chair during this period.

1981-1982 QCC launched a campaign to focus on the Local Government Act, and Town Planning issues. It seems that there was to be no provision for the environment in the concept of preserving heritage. The QCC recommended that the whole of the Great Barrier Reef needed to be a marine park, with the western boundary of the Cairns section being the coastline. The Queensland Parliament passed legislation to enable marine parks to be declared over tidal lands and waters under State control, but this did not specifically exclude oil drilling. The QCC continued its involvement in National Parks management, meeting with them to discuss some of the Park services problems. With the decision to allow sand mining on Moreton Island, the Moreton Island Protection Committee stepped up its campaign by lobbying government to withdraw the decision. The QCC appealed to the members, and again receiveed loans to help through another financial crisis. Jason Reynolds was QCC Chair during this period.

1982-1983 The public's interest in environmental issues was on the rise with the Labor 'No Dams' campaign contributing to a change in government, and the decision of the high court to protect the Franklin River. Despite this the QCC was still underfunded. The QCC maintained its presence by participating in Envirofest. On the campaign front, QCC continued to be concerned with National Parks. The QCC called to boycott P&O, and thus save Wilson Island. After 6 years of campaigning, 58% of Moreton Island was National Park, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service was assuming broad management control over the whole area. The area of Lawn Hill National Park was increased due to pressure from QCC and others. The QCC also made submissions with regards to the inquiry into the export coal industry Coal.pdf by the Australian Senate Standing Committee. Jason Reynolds was QCC Chair during this period.

1983-1984 For the first time in a Qld State Election, all major parties produced specific policies on the environment, and many made conservation issues a feature of political advertisements (April 1984). This helped alleviate QCC's financial position, as it received a $65,000 grant. QCC also accepted a $10,000 consultancy from the Australian Heritage Commission to update nominations of natural areas for its Register of the National Estate, and for extensions and additions to the National Park estate. The Far Northern Section of the Great Barrier Reef was declared as marine park. The area of Cooloola National Park was extended. QCC aimed to play a stronger central coordinating role for its member bodies. The QCC Bookshop had grown successfully, and had to move to the QCC office at 147 Ann St until a suitable vacancy was available at 2 Queen St. Jason Reynolds was QCC Chair during this period.

1984-1985 The QCC moved to the Brisbane School of Arts Building. Heather Drew left after much hard work. Liz Bourne was able to visit the Northern centers now that QCC had an improved financial situation. QCC continued to hold meetings, gathering the regional groups together. This year was particularly successful, with the most comprehensive representation yet. 91.2% of Moreton Island was now National Park. QCC lodged its protest against the Brisbane City Councils proposal to develop an area that includes Melaluca forests and mangrove swamps. The Queensland Government was requesting comment on the Central Section Zoning plan for the Great Barrier Reef. Jason Reynolds was QCC Chair during this period.

1985-1986 For the first time since 1983, QCC was able to afford a full time Project Officer, and welcomed Adrian Jeffreys to the role. QCC represented 60 conservation organizations, and encouraged the formation of a group representative of Brisbane to focus on issues such as the Brisbane Town Plan, Town_planning.pdf which was under review. For the 1986 election the QCC drew attention to the abysmal track record of the State Government on issues of conservation, particularly the fact that there was no Department of the Environment, or any efficient system demanding Environmental Impact Statements. The QCC campaigned for public awareness, and the adoption of conservation policies by all political parties. Rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef and sand mining remained major conservation issues. QCC welcomed the Federal Govt's announcement that it would not give approval for silica sand mining at Shelburne Bay, Cape York. The Federal Government rejected the suggestion for heritage listing of significant Rainforest areas. The Federal Government also granted wood chipping rights to Hollow Tree Enterprises Pty Ltd. in Southern Queensland without requiring an Environmental Impact Statement. The QCC and the Wildlife Preservation Society successfully actioned against the Local Government Court to protect Mon Repos, a sea turtle rookery. The Woongarra Shire succeeded in circumventing by laws by rezoning part of the area of the rookery. QCC continued to fight this.

1986-1987 QCC and others lodged objections with the Land Court to Douglas Shire Council's application to reclaim 72 ha of mangroves at Port Douglas to make way for a garbage tip. The QCC helped local conservation groups in making an assessment of town planning in the shires of Landsborough, Caboolture and Redlands, and aimed to continue doing so in the future. QCC also provided a submission to the Fraser Island Recreation Board reinforcing the need for proper management to protect the island's ecology. The QCC continued to work on conservation issues surrounding the Great Barrier Reef islands, Rainforests and Moreton Island Sand mining. The Great Barrier Reef islands were under threat of large-scale freehold subdivision thanks to the Integrated Resort Development Act. Moreton Island had been exposed to further threat of sand mining, with the Queensland Government allowing exploration of the north-eastern part of the island. On the upside, on World Environment Day 1987, it was announced that Wet tropical rainforests of North Queensland were indented for World Heritage listing.

1987-1988 QCC adopted a general policy on tourism and the environment at its 1987 AGM to provide guidance when dealing with new and existing tourism development in the State. DDT and other organochlorine chemicals were 'banned', and more new National Parks were added to the State's list. On the downside, Bribie Island was under threat of major residential development. It looked as though issues around sand mining were set to continue under the Ahern government. Ahern announced that the Mt Etna bat caves would be protected from mining, but subsequent action by the Central Queensland Cement company proved that more of the area needed to be protected as national park. The World's Tallest Building was proposed to be built right next to the Brisbane School of Arts Building. The Cape York spaceport project gathered momentum (from 1986), and QCC steped up discussions and surveillance. The QCC commended the Federal Environment Minister for his strong support of QLD Conservation groups when they received $90,800 in grants. This was a 90% increase on the previous year. The Joh Bjelke Petersen era ended in December 1987. Bruce Cummings was QCC Chair during this period.

1988-1989 At this stage, Liz Bourne was the longest serving member of staff (half the life of QCC). The QCC and the ACF were attempting to protect the Noosa North Shore from development and having difficulty of dealing with the Local Government Act which did not provide opportunity for environmental arguments to be considered. The QCC was gearing up to champion issues of the environment at the forthcoming State elections. The QCC had been involved in a myriad of conservation campaigns. The QCC and the Wildlife Preservation Society had objected to further attempts to mine sand from Shelburne Bay. Along with other conservation groups, the QCC met with representatives of Elanco to express their concern over the lack of controls with regards to the use of herbicides in land clearing. There was concern that the McIlwraith Range was under threat from mining interests. The QCC was also providing comment on the Noosa North shore development proposal. Assessing the Great Barrier Reef’s Zoning Plans continued. Trish Ferrier was QCC Chair during this period.

1989-1990 Liz Bourne was farewelled, and Rosey Crisp was appointed to the Coordinator's position. Adrian Jeffrey's was succeeded by Jan Oliver as Project Officer, and Billie Watts replaced Mandy Stone as Office Administrator. QCC was now proudly run by "green" women! QCC had 51member bodies, and 436 individual Associate Members. On the conservation front, the QCC had become active in contributing to a review of the waste management proposals for shires around Brisbane. The Murri community on Stradbroke island, along with the QCC, joined forces to campaign against sand mining. An historic agreement between joint groups, logging and forestry groups had been signed to protect Fraser Island. The QCC made a submission on the Tully-Millstream Hydro electric dam, suggesting an alternative energy package to replace the dam was possible. The QCC was concerned about the Government's plan to ensure resource security for the timber industry. There was also continued concern about the impact of the Local Government Act and its impact on development. Trish Ferrier was QCC Chair during this period.

1990-1991 QCC continued the debate over Brisbane's Toxic waste disposal, and the Tully-Millstream Dam became a major campaign. The new Local Government (Planning and Environment Act) was affected on Mar 1, a result of QCC and others challenging the Local Go vt. for 20 years. The Fraser Island Inquiry finally ended with a considerable input of resources from the QCC. With regards to Stradbroke island conservationist were calling for a halt to sand mining work at Myora after the discovery of a rare native species, the False Water Rat. 'QCC is always busy', admitted the Environment Staff, 'but the last couple of months have been frantic.' - referring to Local Govt. elections. Networking between the QCC and Brisbane and regional councils was working well. It was hoped that local action would ease the workload of the QCC. Lyn Kellow, librarian, retired after 13 years. Jan Oliver, Project Officer, would also be missed, as she finalized the Deagon case to prevent the rezoning of Melaleuca woodlands. Nicky Hungerford took over from Jan Oliver. Lyn Martinez was QCC Chair during this period.

1991-1992 QCC developed policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Land Rights, Energy Energy.pdf and Coastal Protection. The Queensland and Federal Governments nominated the Great Sandy Region for World Heritage Listing. However, Shelbourne and Shoalwater Bays were under threat from sand mining again. The Federal Government agreed to a 20% reduction in greenhouse emissions, but this had come under fire from sections of industry and mining companies. Peter McAdam was QCC Chair during this period.
1992-1993 On the campaign front. losses included Sky Rail, Rainbow Harbour and the Wet Tropics Buffer Zone. The wins were the Queensland Government continuing to declare National Parks, BCC spending $22m on bushland acquisition, and Fraser Island. The QCC released its Employment and the Environment report Employment.pdf, suggesting a move away from extractive industries. The QCC, along with other environmental groups, became an unpaid consultant to cross sector planning groups. QCC produced a new look newsletter named Eco sphere. Ted Fensom was QCC Chair during this period.

1993-1994 Tully Millstream and Cape York Space Port campaigns looked to be successful. Enter Port Hinchinbrook, genetically manipulated food, rail closures and injurious affection meaning that the Government had to provide compensation if the development potential of a property was downgraded. Shoalwater Bay was saved and the champaigne corks popped at the QCC office after a 22 year struggle! The QCC examined the performance of Brisbane's public transport sector, particularly Citytrain Trains.pdf. 'At the moment, our effectiveness is limited by our total financial dependence on governments whose record we are duty bound to criticize fiercely. That is a very uncomfortable position'. (Ian Lowe at the 1994 AGM). Billabong Books moved to City Plaza at the Ann St entrance. Ian Lowe former, director of the Science and Policy Research Centre at Griffith University, was QCC's chairperson during this period.

1995-1996 Imogen Zethoven took over as Co-ordinator of QCC from Nicky Hungerford. Lars Eriksson took over as librarian from Bill Constantine. A newly created position appeared as Smogbusters Community Education Project Officer. The Cape York Wilderness area was designated, and local Aboriginal communities were involved in the management of the area. Queensland and Federal Govts announced funding for 3 years to protect habitat for the Mahogany Glider and other unique and threatened Queensland coastal lowland plants and animals. The last Cabinet meeting of 1995 agreed to all significant recommendations in QCC's submission of Preliminary Policy on Tree Clearing. Ian Lowe continued as chair during this period.

1996-1997 The QCC continued its involvement in land clearing issues with Imogen Zethoven as a representative on a ministerial advisory group. With Government aid the QCC also supported Smogbusters, water conservation and a mining, petroleum and the environment program. The QCC also managed the WWF Threatened Species Network and the Queensland Fauna Network. In campaign news the QCC and others launched the Hinchinbrook Legal Fighting Fund, as well as making presentations to the Mining Council Mining.pdf and Electricity Structure Task Force. Billabong Bookshop closed in March 1997. Poor location and a slump in retail brought this enterprise to an end. On the upside, the QCC Library expanded its collection and moved into its own room. There were also staff changes to the QCC as Frances Herbert left, along with Danielle Nelson and Lindsay Fairweather. Rose Kulak was appointed the new Administration Officer, and Laura Parsons became administrator for the Environment Centre. Roger Kitching was QCC Chair during this period.

1997-1998 The Wet Tropics Management Plan passed through the Qld Cabinet unscathed. Ecosphere transformed into 'Spinifex'. This title recognised QLD as a arid/semiarid State and also sounded like spinning effects to protect the environment. The QCC continued to work with government departments on environmental issues. The Federal Govenment announced funding cuts on Christmas Day. The State Government made a commitment to the Commonwealth to ban clearing of endangered regional ecosystems, after years of pressure to reverse the decline of native vegetation and to protect biodiversity. Carol Booth was QCC Chair during this period.

1998-1999 QCC got a new logo. After many years of lobbying for an Environmental Protection Authority in Queensland, the incoming Beattie govt finally delivered, establishing the EPA in March. The EPA was housed in what was once planned as the world's tallest building. It was only seven stories high after all. Queensland’s first State of the Environment Report was released. It indicated that more than half of Queensland’s woodlands and forests had been cleared in the past 200 years, including Queensland's Desert Uplands and Brigalow Belt Clearing_Brigalow.pdf. Inappropriate agriculture practices were identified as the greatest threat to Queensland’s environment, with 8 500 000 square km having been degraded by sheep and cattle grazing. QCC celebrated its 30th Birthday at the Saigon by Night Restaurant on World Environment Day, Saturday the 5th of June 1999. Helen Abrahams was QCC Chair during this period.

2000 Imogen Zethoven left, and there was a staff restructure following a drawing up of the first QCC strategic plan. A new position - Manager - was created, and Helenka King took on that position. Felicity Wishart joined as Coordinator. QCC was still at the old School of Arts Building at 166 Ann Street. The organization was vibrant, with eight staff preparing a full calendar of events and campaigns for the first year of the millennium. The Vegetation Management Act 1999 was passed through parliament. This protected woodlands and forests that were of concern (10-30% remaining) and endangered (<10% remaining) on freehold land. The legislation was not proclaimed, hence there was still no protection of woodlands and forests on freehold land. Concerned conservationists and landholders dumped 100 kg of salt outside parliament house to highlight the importance of protecting Queensland’s woodlands against the looming salinity crisis. Leaked government figures indicated that clearing had accelerated in Queensland by an astounding 25% to over 4,000 square km per year, 2,220 square km was in Queensland’s part of the Murray Darling Basin. The ALP Federal Conference passed a resolution supporting land clearing controls in Queensland. On the 29th of October, the Queensland environment movement held a public meeting, and announced the beginning of a major state and national campaign to end land clearing. Conservationists planted 100 trees on the lawns of Parliament House Brisbane to protest the lack of action on protecting native vegetation in Queensland. One tree planted represented 1,000,000 trees that had been cleared since the passing of the Vegetation Management Act (1999) one year beforehand. That was a total of one billion native trees destroyed in 12 months. Susan Brown was Chair during this time. Felicity Wishart was Coordinator.

2001 A proposal detailing the construction of fish farms equivalent to the size of four football fields in Moreton Bay, was put forward by the Tasmanian-based SunAqua Pty Ltd. QCC became involved in the issue by launching the ‘Save the Bay’ Save_the_Bay.rtf campaign against the proposed fish cages, headed by Natalie Martin. The campaign initiated a number of strategies to raise public awareness, and oppose the proposal, through the establishment of an interactive web site, distribution of postcards and fact sheets, relocatable displays for community groups, power point presentations and the organization of various public meetings and demonstrations. QCC released a new report on land clearing in Queensland which revealed possible breaches of new land clearing laws, and found that the current land clearing permit system was failing to protect important bush land. The report titled “Preliminary Assessment of the Implementation of the Vegetation Management Act” Preliminary_Assessment_V_M_A.pdf highlighted a number of serious problems regarding implementation of the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and the Regional Vegetation Management Planning process. Susan Brown was Chair during this time. Felicity Wishart was Coordinator.

2002. In June, a public meeting ‘What’s fishy about sea cages in our Bays,’ organized by QCC, was held at the Brisbane city hall with 300 people attending. Television footage of the event was broadcast on channels Seven, Nine and ABC. QCC distributed 10,000 postcards across southeast Queensland designed to lobby the government against the fish cages, and also to raise awareness. In August, a Boat rally, organized by groups opposing the fish cages, attracted over 500 people who, utilising 50 boats, took to the water, with the vessels converging on the planned farm site. The rally attracted wide media coverage. In December, an E-partition with 1100 e-mails against the fish cages was sent to State Parliament. Linda Selvey was Chair during this time. Felicity Wishart was Coordinator.

2003 In February, ‘Rage against the cage Rally,’ organized by QCC, was held at Sutton’s Beach, Redcliffe. Speakers included Dr James Udy and Simon Baltais. In December, QCC and WWF Australia won the Nathan Dam case Nathan_Dam_Case_Summary.pdf in the Federal Court. The win caused a major expansion of environmental powers for the Australian Government. The EIS was released on 8 July, and QCC stepped up its efforts to encourage submissions to the Queensland Government. Submission writing workshops continued throughout the month, with Natalie and Simon making presentations to various community groups on a regular basis. Submissions to the EIS closed on 21 August, and QCC coordinated a joint submission on behalf of a range of conservation organizations. Over one thousand submissions were sent to the Coordinator General in response to the EIS. After consultation with the DPI and EPA, and assessment of submissions to Sun Aqua's EIS, the Coordinator General at the Department of State Development requested further information from Sun Aqua in the form of a Supplementary Statement. Linda Selvey was Chair during this time. Toby Hutcheon was Coordinator.

2004 After many years of public pressure, in May 2004, the Queensland State Government finally passed new laws to phase out broad scale land clearing Land_Clearing.rtf. This was the biggest single step ever taken to protect Queensland’s natural environment. The new laws would protect almost 20 million hectares of native bushland that would otherwise have been open to land clearing. That’s an area larger than the state of Victoria, and three times as big as all Queensland’s National Parks combined. Following a four year campaign by QCC and the Wilderness Society, Queensland Premier Peter Beattie promised during his election campaign that a re-elected Labor government would enact a Wild Rivers Act, protecting 19 rivers predominantly in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York. Sun Aqua's application for the sea cage farm in Moreton Bay was rejected by the Queensland Government. Felicity Wishart left the position of coordinator, and Toby Hutcheon took over. Linda Selvey was Chair during this time. Toby Hutcheon was Coordinator.

2005 On Friday 8th April, without any notice, the Federal Government cut critical funding to environment groups across Australia. As a result, Queensland Conservation suffered a $92,000 funding cut. QCC sent out appeals to supporters and the state government for urgent financial assistance. The draft bill for the new Wild Rivers policy was released early in the year, and QCC, along with other environmental groups around Queensland. worked together to make a joint submission submissionwildriverpolicy.pdf. On Wednesday 28th of September 2005, the Queensland Parliament brought into law Australia’s first stand alone legislation to protect wild rivers from a range of threats including the construction of large dams, weirs and levees and the expansion of damaging large scale irrigation activities. On Saturday 3 December the inaugural Walk Against Warming WaW.rtf took place. Most of the focus of the protest was on the US and Australia, the two main developed nations who had failed to sign Kyoto. The events were timed to coincide with the first meeting of the Kyoto signatories in Montreal. In Australia, rallies were held in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Cairns and Brisbane. In Brisbane, the rally started in King George Sq before heading through the city across Victoria Bridge and ending at Musgrave Park in West End. Linda Selvey was Chair during this time. Toby Hutcheon was Coordinator.

2006 The sustainable housing code came into force on March the first. It required all new houses in Queensland to use water and energy more efficiently by mandating standards for dual flush toilets, efficient shower heads and water heating systems. QCC's submission on the new code Housing_Code.rtf. Unfortunately, rainwater tanks remained an option for councils rather than an integral part of all new housing across the State.

2007 In November 2006 Queensland Conservation lodged an objection to the greenhouse gas emissions from a large coal mine expansion proposed by Xstrata Coal Queensland Pty Ltd.  The objection hearing was held on the 31st January and the 1st of February. On the 15th of February, the Queensland Land and Resources Tribunal handed down its decision. On the 14th of March,QCC lodged an appeal on the LRT decision. To learn more about this ground-breaking case, access the Environmental Law Publishing website http://www.envlaw.com.au/newlands.html. Queensland Conservation had to move out of its offices on the top floor of the School of Arts Building at 166 Ann Street for the month of March while Brisbane City Council painted and refloored. Everything, the library, years of archives, and furniture, was moved in to the art gallery on the ground floor, and QCC operated from there. Linda Selvey was Chair during this time. Toby Hutcheon was Coordinator.