Achieving net zero emissions by 2030 and moving to 100% renewable energy for its operations are two of the cornerstones of Council's Draft Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030.
Released for public consultation today, the draft strategy builds on the achievements and actions of the Climate Change Strategy 2010-2015 and aims to guide Council's climate actions for the next decade.
Mayor Bob Manning said Cairns was particularly vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change and it was important that Council took action.
"Our natural environment is our greatest asset, but it is under increasing pressure from climate change," Cr Manning said.
"Records reveal that in just the past 22 years we have experienced our warmest 20 years on record.
"As seen at the recent Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, leaders from nations across the world have recognised the need to cut emissions of greenhouse gases.
"We are the guardians of two World Heritage-listed natural environments – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest – and it is our responsibility to do all we can to protect these assets and our lifestyle.
"Our Climate Change Strategy 2030 will provide a pathway to mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, it will embed environmental considerations into our organisation and operations and support a Smart Green Economy."
The draft strategy incorporates commitments and over 100 actions across six key focus areas – community, industry, energy, transport, built environment, and the natural environment – which will guide Council's planning for the next decade on climate action.
The proposed strategy outlines four key commitments:
- Net zero emissions for Council operations by 2030
- Council electricity supplied from 100% renewable energy
- Support community progress towards Queensland's emissions reductions target of 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050
- Prepare Council and the community to adapt and prosper in a changing climate
Actions to support those commitments include the replacement of streetlights with LEDs, advocacy to ensure renewable energy developments in the region deliver local benefits and minimising local environmental impacts, and the consideration of climate change risks when preparing Council's new planning scheme and master plans.
Cr Manning said the Draft Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030 had been informed by extensive community engagement, including public forums, consultation with Traditional Custodians, and the Cairns Youth Climate Summits.
"We have an important leadership role to play as a Council, and we have a responsibility to our citizens to do what we can, to lead by example and, importantly, listen to what people have to say," Cr Manning said.
"I would encourage residents to take the opportunity to review the draft strategy and provide feedback."
The Draft Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030 can be reviewed online at Council's Have Your Say page.
