Welcome to our last ebulletin of the year, where we've decided to provide some snapshots of the exciting wins the Queensland environmental movement has had in 2011. It's been a cracker of a year world-wide, with Occupy, the Arab spring and anti-corporate protests shaking the world. Let's remember, strategise and imagine...
Where will 2012 take us?!
Snapshots of 2011
Working alongside farmers against coal seam gas
What a major win last week to cap off our campaign against mining and gas extraction in 2011! The Bligh Government has finally legislated to protect prime agricultural land from destruction. It's been a long, hard path that Qld communities (and a few celebrities too!) have trodden to get to this point, but there there is still a lot left to do.
After Fukushima: working for peace and a nuclear-free world 
In April, the world was shocked by scenes of devastation from Japan following the tsunami, especially with news about the Fukushima nuclear disaster. This is our generation's Chernobyl and gave the work of our peace, nuclear-free and clean energy collective added impetus. We have worked in 2011 to build a peaceful world, free from such disasters.
Sailing the waves: standing in solidarity with our Pacfic Islander neighbours
This year, Friends of Tulele Peisa, a Pacific Island solidarity group established by FoE Brisbane, has worked to raise awareness and funds for communities in the Pacfic who are undergoing forced migration due to climate change. You can read how we have been working in solidarity with those at the frontline of climate change to make their voices heard on the global stage.
Protecting the reef and fighting Xstrata
Plans for dredging of the Great Barrier Reef have got to be one of the most monumental environmental crimes that's happened in Qld this year. FoE Brisbane has fought in court against Xstrata's plans to expand the coal industry in central Qld, has shut down the Gladstone coal port that's killing dugongs and fish and supported coastal communities in protecting their livelihoods.
Upcoming Events and Action Points
EVENT: Launch of the South Melbourne Commons
The South Melbourne Commons community hub will celebrate its official opening on Saturday 10th December 2011 from 10AM-4PM. Please head along if you're in Melbourne!
The Commons is a joint initiative of the Friends of the Earth and Father Bob Maguire Foundation, our vision encapsulates the dynamic social and environmental qualities of both organisations.
Further information can be found at www.commons.org.au
EVENT: There is an alternative to coal and CSG Forum
14th December, 7pm, Beaudesert
With exploration happening across 80% of Scenic Rim, an Information Night is being held to outline a sound alternative to meeting our energy needs now and into the future without Coal and Coal Seam Gas. Click here for full details
Resources, announcements and other juicy tit bits...
REPORT: Remembering Ken  Saro-Wiwa - Memory, Truth and Justice for Heroes
Friends of the Earth International's publication Memory, truth and justice for heroes, launched to coincide with Ken Saro-Wiwa day, is a collection of stories on the heroism of those people who have been killed and those whose rights had been violated in in their resistance against mining, oil and gas projects around the world.
You can read the report here.
MEDIA: Food Irradiation Watch Update: Federal Court injuction against irradiation
Food Irradiation Watch supports Gene-Ethics and the Safe Food Institute in their Federal Court challenge to Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s processing of Application A1038. Yesterday thecourt placed an injunction on the irradiation of persimmons. Read the full story here. 
REPORT: Community Rights, Corporate Wrongs
Friends of the Earth's member groups around the world are working closely with local communities, demanding a just transition towards sustainable rural and urban societies, in contrast to the current profit-driven and internationalised economy. This report focuses on campaigns that have the defence and enforcement of community rights at the heart of their struggles.
Click here to read Community Rights, Corporate Wrongs
RESOURCE: Keep up to date with COP17 with Friends of the Earth
FoE is keeping on top of everything that's going on in Durban, and you can too! Check out our updates via radio, blogs, twitter, facebook and our websites.
You can also download the great new introductory brochure on the COP and climate change.
RESOURCE: 'Beating Goliath' resources for corporate campaigners
Published in October 2011, ‘Beating Goliath’ gathers case studies from previous successful campaigns against corporations, looking at how they won and what we can learn from them. It provides links to many useful resources for activists, and highlights current campaigns engaged in the fight against climate change through targeting corporations.
Download Beating Goliath
MEDIA: FoEI stands alongside the Occupy movement
Friends of the Earth International is inspired and energized by the current unfolding of world-historic, transformative events. From the popular uprisings in Northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to the indignados of Europe, from the encampments of the #occupy movement to the student movements in Latin America and the UK... Read the full release here.
Make a good resolution - volunteer with FoE in 2012!
With the silly season upon us, why not make your New Year's  resolution to help out with Friends of the Earth in 2012?
You can either volunteer with a campaign collective and become a front-line activist, organising protests, actions, blockades and rallies; or help out behind the scenes, researching and writing reports and submissions, and helping with the day-to-day running of the organisation.
Or if you're short on time and still want to support, why not consider an ongoing donation to fund our crucial work?
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FoE Brisbane now has a twitter feed! Keep up to date with news, events and action opportunities in real time... 
Have you listened in yet to Real World Radio - Friends of the Earth's radio station? 
