Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030

The decade of 2020-2030 is critical for climate action. The Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030 sets out a pathway for Cairns Regional Council to manage climate risks and to support the climate aspirations of our community.

We have identified six focus areas where the most significant gains can be made to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the Cairns region and assist the natural environment, our communities and our economy to adapt to climate change impacts.

In developing the Strategy, we consulted with subject matter experts, community members, Traditional Custodians, sector representatives and climate action advocates.  The Strategy was endorsed by Council in March 2022.

2026 Strategy mid-term update

In 2026, the Strategy was reviewed and updated to align with Council’s Corporate Plan 2025-2030 ( PDF, 4.43 MB ) that was endorsed in December 2025.

The mid-term update reflects significant progress achieved since the Strategy was adopted in 2022. It incorporates lessons learned during delivery and refines actions to focus on areas where Council can have the greatest impact - including disaster resilience, climate risk management, water security, urban greening, transport, environmental stewardship and community education.

The update also simplifies actions to improve delivery and reporting, while clearly outlining where Council will lead, support and work with others on climate initiatives.

Since the Strategy was adopted in 2022, 32 actions have been completed and are ongoing, with a further 39 actions currently underway. These include renewable electricity procurement, solar installations across major facilities and energy efficiency improvements.

The mid-term update sets out more than 70 actions over 6 focus areas. Implementation will be monitored and reported through Council’s Operational Plan 2025-2030, Energy and Emissions system and State of the Environment reporting (to be delivered in FY27).