Climate Strategy and Energy Policy updated

Cairns Regional Council has completed a mid-term update of its Climate Change Strategy 2030, reflecting significant progress achieved since the Strategy was adopted in 2022 and aligning future actions with Council's Corporate Plan 2025-2030.

The update demonstrates progress to date, incorporates lessons learned during delivery, and refines actions to focus on areas where Council can have the greatest impact.

These areas include 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, 32 actions have been completed and are ongoing, with a further 39 actions currently underway.

Initiatives delivered under the Strategy include renewable electricity procurement, solar installations across major facilities and energy efficiency improvements.

Council has also updated its Energy and Emissions Management Policy ( PDF, 0.54 MB ), which guides energy efficiency, renewable energy and operational energy management activities across Council facilities.

Together, these initiatives are delivering operational savings of approximately $1.5 million annually while also improving Council’s long-term energy resilience and cost management.

The updated Strategy and Policy will guide implementation through to 2030 and support ongoing reporting of progress against Council's adopted commitments and priorities.