After more than 15 years of monitoring and managing its greenhouse gas emissions, Cairns Regional Council continues to contribute to global action on climate change.

With close to 3 megawatts of solar, a CleanCo electricity supply agreement for its largest 76 facilities, methane flaring at the decommissioned Portsmith Landfill, and the ongoing electrification of the vehicle fleet, we continue to reduce emissions and prepare for change.

Looking forward, our mitigation and adaptation actions continue to be guided by our:

  • Climate Change Strategy, which is currently undergoing a mid-term review, and
  • Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy, also known as the Our Cairns Coast Strategy.
The climate change impacts on the Far North Queensland region include higher temperatures, rising sea level, hotter and more frequent hot days, more frequent sea level extremes, more intense downpours of rain, warmer and more acidic seas, and less frequent but more intense tropical cyclones.

Preparing for a changing climate

As part of its Climate Change Strategy 2030, Cairns Regional Council has committed to prepare Council and the community to adapt and prosper in a changing climate.

We are adapting to the impacts of climate change with the following initiatives:

Our commitments

Last Updated: 26 May 2026

Latest News > All News

King tides expected from Friday

King tides are expected to affect Cairns this from week, from Friday 12 June through to Saturday 20 June....

General Updates
10 June 2026

Temporary changes for IRONMAN Cairns

There will be changed traffic conditions and road closures for the IRONMAN Cairns event on Sunday 14 June....

Sport & Recreation
8 June 2026

Cairns, let’s enjoy QLD Day together!

Cairns’ residents are invited to celebrate QLD Day on the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday, 6 June, to recognise the state’s...

Community & Lifestyle
4 June 2026