Our journey
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
As a tropical city with some of the world’s most recognised natural wonders at its doorstep, the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, Cairns Regional Council has long taken climate stewardship in its stride. We’ve has a 50 % greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 20/21 in place since 2010. Our progress has been assisted by investment in over 1MW of rooftop solar PV, landfill gas flaring, LED street lighting upgrades, fleet optimisation and energy management efforts in our facilities and water, sewerage operations. We have encouraged sustainability in the community with grant funding and our annual flagship sustainability festival – the Cairns Ecofiesta, attracting an estimated 13,000 attendees. Recently we have sought feedback from the community on responding to a changing climate by holding a youth climate summit and specifically on adapting to coastal hazards.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Next, we will continue to build on the savings from rooftop solar PV, with the installation of an additional 1.8MW of ground mount solar at our wastewater treatment plants. We are developing a renewed climate action plan that addresses emerging challenges and are investigating new targets for 2030 that make the most renewable energy opportunities. We’ll be seeking input from the community on this and continuing to cultivate sustainability with vibrant events, education, grant funding and by expanding our cycling network.
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership
Cairns Regional Council is delighted to join with local governments across Australia in the Cities Power Partnership. We look forward to the knowledge sharing it facilitates which will assist further in lowering emissions in our operations and region.