Cairns Regional Council has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030 and moving to 100% renewable energy for its operations.
Endorsed by Council today, the Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030 builds on the achievements and actions of the previous strategy (Climate Change Strategy 2010-2015) and will guide Council's climate actions for the next decade.
The new Strategy will also support the community to progress towards Queensland's emissions reductions target of 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
Mayor Bob Manning said Cairns was particularly vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change and it was important that Council took a lead on action.
"We all recognise that our natural environment is the region's greatest asset, but it is under increasing pressure from climate change," Cr Manning said.
"A tidal wave of evidence is mounting that climate change is already impacting the environment – global temperatures are rising, glaciers have shrunk, and plant and animal habitats have shifted.
"In the past 22 years, we have experienced our warmest 20 years on record. Australian average temperatures are now 1.44C higher than when national records began in 1910.
"As the guardians of two World Heritage-listed natural environments – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest – it is our responsibility to do all we can to protect these assets and our lifestyle.
"We have to balance the needs of our growing city with preserving our natural assets.
"Our Climate Change Strategy 2030 sets a course to cutting emissions, moving to renewable energy, and mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
"It means that environmental considerations will be embedded in Council's governance, leadership and decision making, and there will be support for a Smart Green Economy."
Actions to support the Strategy's commitments include the replacement of streetlights with LEDs, advocacy to ensure renewable energy developments in the region deliver local benefits and minimise local environmental impacts, and the consideration of climate change risks when preparing Council's new planning scheme.
Extensive consultation was undertaken in developing the Strategy with engagement with more than 2,300 people, including subject matter experts, industry representatives, climate action advocates, community members, Traditional Custodians, youth representatives and researchers in the tertiary sector.
"We have listened to the community and taken advice from authorities in the climate sector," Cr Manning said.
"Over 88% of responds to Council's climate change survey said they wanted Council to show leadership and action on climate change.
"The Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030 reinforces that Council recognised the important role it has in preserving the natural environment, supporting the community to make greener choices, and assisting in mitigating the effects of climate change."
