Cairns Regional Council has been recognised for its commitment to conserving and protecting the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area through a Chair's Award at the 19th Cassowary Awards.
Hosted by the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA), the Cassowary Awards is the only awards program in Australia to recognise excellence in community contributions to World Heritage management.
Council was recognised for leadership in sustainability, advocacy and engaging young people through initiatives such as the Climate Change strategy 2030, Cairns Ecofiesta, and the Smart Green Economy project.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said Council's vision for 2030, outlined in the Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030, was to be a leader in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
"It is an honour to receive this award from the Wet Tropics Management Authority, recognising Council's leadership and innovation in environmental stewardship." Cr Manning said.
We have a profound responsibility to protect the environment and natural assets that make Cairns such a wonderful place to live,"
"We take this commitment very seriously, as highlighted in our work to achieve net zero emissions and our commitment to using 100% renewable energy by the end of next decade.
"Council has subject matter experts working across the organisation to progress climate change actions in the areas of water supply, wastewater management, waste management, risk and governance."
Council's environmental stewardship work also includes providing grants to support Community sustainability projects and nature-based learning; delivery of the annual Cairns Ecofiesta event; and partnerships with research organisations on issues of local importance, including improving urban water quality in the Saltwater Creek catchment, urban heat management and beneficial use of biosolids.
The award was presented by WTMA Chair, Chrissy Grant, during an event at Tjapukai NOW on Djabugay Country in Smithfield.
Ms Grant said the Cassowary Awards were a night to gather and pay tribute to champions of the Wet Tropics.
"Cairns Regional Council has set the benchmark for local governments everywhere with their commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, to building a more sustainable society, and to engaging youth on environmental matters.
"The Council is demonstrating leadership and initiative in its collaborative vision to make Cairns and Far North Queensland the capital of the smart green economy," Ms Grant said.
"All of the nominees and award recipients are people who work tirelessly towards not only protecting and promoting the Outstanding Universal Value of the Area, but also helping build resilience into this unique and special place to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate," Ms Grant said.
Council would like to commend the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, which took out the Cairns Regional Council-sponsored Innovation and Research award on the evening.
