A greener, more sustainable region is the key achievement of Rockhampton Regional Council's annual sustainability report, delivering almost 5000 new trees and native plants over the past 12 months.
The 2024-25 report sets out a list of key achievements funded or supported by Council and aligned with its Sustainability Strategy's four pillars of protecting the natural environment, transitioning to net zero emissions, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering a low-carbon circular economy.
The plantings are key to creating a cooler, greener environment and critical to making the region's streets, parks and suburbs more liveable and appealing.
Over the last 12 months, Council has provided over 4000 native plants to local residents, planted 600 trees as part of National Tree Day and undertook over 300 semi-advanced plantings in local streets, parks and footpaths.
This adds to the region's existing tree canopy and helps cool the local environment while giving a more welcoming and appealing feel to local streets and places.
In addition, the 2024-25 report highlights Council's efforts to deliver localised solar at its facilities, including the World War II Memorial Aquatic Centre and Rockhampton Airport.
The new solar systems provide the dual benefit of reducing Council's energy costs and saving ratepayers money whilst utilising solar energy to power facilities like the airport.
Council adopted its first Sustainability Strategy in 2018 with the latest achievements building on considerable work delivered over the last seven years.
Key achievements from the 2024–25 Sustainability Report include:
- Improvements to the Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility and the North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant - ensuring essential services meet environmental standards and support the needs of a growing population.
- Final work on the 28-kilometre water pipeline to Mount Morgan to secure a reliable water supply for the community amid increasing climate variability.
- Installation of a 200KW solar system at the World War II Memorial Aquatic Centre
- Starting work on a 976KW system at the Rockhampton Airport Terminal - key steps in reducing reliance on grid energy and moving towards net zero emissions.
- More than 4,000 native plants were distributed to residents as part of Council's Native Plant Program, 600 planted during National Tree Day, and 329 semi-advanced trees added to streets, parks, playgrounds, and footpaths across the region.
- The launch of new waste and recycling education initiatives under the "Let's Get it Sorted" campaign and Bin Health Check Program.
- The opening of The Tinkerage - a creative reuse and repair hub at the Lakes Creek Waste Management Facility - further supports the region's circular economy and reduces landfill waste.
- Updated flood studies, advanced disaster preparedness planning, and introduction of real-time alerts via the Emergency Dashboard.
- The formation of a regional Climate Alliance also marks a proactive step in managing climate-related risks.
- Community-led sustainability was supported through seven grants under the Community Assistance Program and a range of events including National Tree Day, the Rockhampton River Festival, the Reviva Ibis Upcycling Fair, and the Fitzroy Barrage Open Day.
To read the Year in Review Report and achievements in detail visit - https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CommunityEvents/Environmental-Sustainability/Environmental-Sustainability-Strategy/Sustainability-Strategy-Progress-Reports
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams:
"I'm proud of the work Rockhampton Regional Council is doing to embed sustainability into our programs and day-to-day operations.
"This report shows the meaningful steps we are taking, working with local residents, communities, businesses, industries and other levels of government.
"I think we can all agree that more trees, native plants and solar on council buildings is a good thing and it helps make our community cooler, nicer and more welcoming.
"Importantly, localised solar projects help reduce our costs, keeping rates lower and reducing the impact of climate change."
Quotes attributable to Environmental Sustainability Portfolio Councillor Elliot Hilse:
"It's exciting to see projects like the solar installations at the Aquatic Centre and Airport coming to life. These aren't just green initiatives, they're smart investments that save money and reduce emissions.
"What's more, we've seen almost 5,000 plants and trees go in across the region which is a great thing.
"We need more trees, more natives and the benefits they bring. I think it's great that we can work with the community through our Natives program and National Tree Day to boost the greenery we see around town and really put in an effort to make our region greener for the future.
"You just need to see the community's response to these programs and events to see how passionate people are about protecting our environment. We're here to support that energy and keep it growing.
"Finally, I want to thank everyone who has been involved in our programs and work over the last 12 months. We know this is a journey of many steps, but we are proud of the achievements during FY2024-25 and we are already looking forward to what can be achieved next year."
