Great news for our precious environment this month with laws being passed to bring in a container deposit scheme, and ban single-use plastic bags in Queensland, and it's time to have your say on the Maroochy River rock wall.
We're proud to announce SCEC's World Environment Day Festival won a State award!!
Great news for our precious environment this month with laws being passed to bring in a container deposit scheme, and ban single-use plastic bags in Queensland. Our vibrant Sunshine Coast community has been taking action to raise awareness of deadly shark nets, and it's time to have your say on the Maroochy River rock wall.
We're proud to announce SCEC's World Environment Day Festival won a State award, and our sold-out annual event Drag Queen Bingo is back! Snap up your tickets today.
Catch up on all the action below and don't forget to check out the huge range of events happening on the Sunshine Coast at the bottom of the email!
SCEC Campaigns
No Rocks for Maroochy! We need your voice!
The protection of the mighty Maroochy, one of the last untrained estuaries on the east coast is a significant, generational issue. The Sunshine Coast Council has now launched an online opinion survey as part of its consultation process which includes a disastrous proposal to build a 200m rock wall at the mouth of the Maroochy River. This is a critical time to speak up and ensure the community’s views are heard. Take the survey here, and contact the Mayor and local Councillor.
Building a rock wall is unnecessary and will destroy the dynamic, natural system of the beautiful Maroochy River. Experts have confirmed that the existing geo-fabric groyne field has been successful over the last 16 years and is still performing the function it was designed to do, protecting the caravan park as well as the environmental and recreational values of the adjacent estuary. Have your say today.
Have your say on environmental protection and regulation in Queensland!
SCEC joins marine conservationists for shark nets action
Serendipitously, a sea turtle swam up to the wharf just as Tony was speaking to the media. The camera person and reporters immediately captured the moment. If that's not a sign from nature then what is!
WED Festival wins Prestigious Award!
SCEC Events
Biodiverity Talks series
Thanks to everyone for coming along to our biodiversity talks held at the Sunshine Coast libraries. Look out for the presentation on our website soon and we hope to run them again
Drag Queen Bingo is on AGAIN!
After 2016's sell-out event, Drag Queen Bingo is back!
When: Friday 10 November, 7pm
Where: Coolum Civic Centre
Cost: $20 per ticket
Other News
Species in Strife - The Figures
WWF and RSPCA have joined forces in a new report that highlights just how many of our species are under threat in Queensland from excessive tree-clearing. The numbers are shocking. They've found that up to 34 million animals are killed every year.
Australia and California - We're pretty similiar Right?
But Australia has an advantage over California, we are the sunniest country in the world with enough renewable energy resources to power our economy 500 times over

World has already used nature's budget for the year, and Australia is the worst offender.
The world has already consumed its nature 'budget' for the entire year, and Australia has been identified as the worst offending country among major economies. If everyone lived like the average Australian, the world’s nature budget for the year would have been consumed in early March.
Grant Opportunities
NAB Sustainable Regions Grant: applications are open now and close 5pm, 27 October 2017. Find out more here.
Date Claimers
Saving the Green on the Sunshine Coast - FREE EVENT
- Thursday 28 September at 6pm-8pm
- Maleny Community Centre (see map)
Come and learn about the importance of maintaining trees in our suburbs and regions, how our laws currently operate to regulate tree clearing at a state, federal and local government level, how we can strengthen our laws to better protect our trees in our region, and what you can do to help!
This joint event with Environmental Defenders Office Queensland, The Wilderness Society, and Sunshine Coast Environment Council will impart knowledge and skills to protect the green where we live.
WATER WISDOM: The Urban Water Cycle
SCEC is working alongside Healthy Land and Water and the Univeristy of the Sunshine Coast to bring you a free public information session on the urban water cycle.WATER WISDOM: The Urban Water Cycle will provide the most current information on options for the urban water cycle presented by leading experts in their fields.
This day is a must for anyone who wants to be better informed about water supply and treatment.
This event is not to be missed, with clear and easily understandable presentations by some of Australia's foremost experts in their fields including Ian Lowe and many more. Registration is essential by 22nd September. More details including event program here.See you there!
LEARNING FROM NATURE - Improving the Profitability of your Horticultural Enterprise
When: October 10th & 11th, 9-5pm
What to bring: Hat, enclosed shoes
Additional info: Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided
Register here or contact Susie as below by Tuesday October 3 2017
For more info &/or special dietary requirements contact: Susie Chapman: 0400 910 682 or [email protected]
Australia is the sunniest continent on earth. If anyone can make it happen, we can. And get this - it will actually reduce power bills for everyone.
Come along to this free event to find out how we can turn the Sunshine State into the Sun Powered State.
WHAT: 100% Renewables: Why it's better and how to make it happen
WHERE: Caloundra Community Centre, 58A Queen Street, Caloundra
WHEN: 6.30 for a 7pm start, Thursday 12th October 2017
WHO: Solar Citizens Sunshine Coast Volunteer Group
Solar Citizens is an independent community organisation bringing together millions of solar owners and supporters to grow and protect solar in Australia.
Hear about our “Homegrown Power Plan” - a roadmap that shows how we can repower Australia’s homes and businesses with 100% renewable power by 2030.
Find out how you can become part of the renewable energy revolution, right here on the Sunshine Coast.
To RSVP: visit our Facebook page: Sunshine Coast Solar Citizens
or email [email protected]
More Upcoming Events
A free ZEN Renewable Energy Community Workshop held at Central Queensland University, Noosaville is open for all this Saturday. Residents will hear about innovative community energy initiatives and have the opportunity to put their ideas forwards and get involved in future action. Register or read more here.
Sept 23 2017 – Hinterland Bush Links AGM, 10:00am to 12:00pm
The Management Committee invites all comers to the Hinterland Bush Links AGM to be held at the Verandah Room, Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple St Maleny. Guest speaker Prof. Brendan Mackey will present a talk “Can Connectivity Conservation Save Biodiversity from Climate Change”. Please RSVP by Friday 15th September via [email protected]
September 22 - 23 – Pick it up 6:30pm Friday – 11am Sunday
Come on down to Alexandra Headlands over the weekend of 22 - 24th of September for a family-friendly weekend of events to raise awareness of plastic waste, its effect on marine environments, and reduce every day dependence on plastics. For a full list of program details, click here.
The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC) is again hosting Mary River Month in 2017. A full list of the month’s activities can be viewed here.
September 25 2017 BIEPA Meeting 7pm start
The Bribie Island RSL is hosting the next BIEPA meeting. For more information click here.
26 September 2017- Roving Restorers 9am – 12pm
Join us with weeding at this beautiful property in the headwaters of the Obi Creek. We will enjoy morning tea at the Big Table in the forest. All tools will be provided. Bring gloves, water, boots, sunscreen and insect repellent. Long-sleeved shirt, trousers and hat are essential. More information here.
2 October 2017 – Noosa Biosphere Day 2017 10am
Noosa River Pirate Park, Noosaville will be the venue for Noosa Biosphere Day to celebrate the past 10 years of UNESCO MAB Reserve. Join the family fun day with local food, entertainment, activities and environmental information. More information here.
19th of October - Noosa and District Land Care Group Annual Meeting 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Delicious afternoon tea provided, please RSVP by the 12th of October. More information here.