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Council’s winning sustainability team (from left) Sophie Barrett, Will McDonald, Deb Wellington, Dan Walton, Michelle O’Loughlin and Daniel Stronggrove.

Cairns Regional Council has been recognised on the national stage for its eff orts to cut emissions and community engagement on climate action. The only Queensland council to win an award at the Cities Power Partnership Awards, Council’s sustainability team was awarded the Climate Champion Award. The Awards, run by the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership in November, recognised the work of the climate heroes in local governments across the country, in the fi elds of renewable energy, energy effi ciency, sustainable transport, community engagement, ambition, collaboration and innovation. Deputy Mayor Terry James said Council was committed to taking action on climate change and commended the work of the sustainability team. “We have a passionate sustainability team working hard to reduce carbon emissions within Council including developing a Climate Change Strategy for Cairns,” Cr James said. “This award acknowledges the work being done to deliver a strategy that reduces our net emissions and ensuring our community is involved, informed and committed at every step of the way. “We have looked to particularly involve our young people in our strategy through our Youth Climate Summits; the only such summits held by a local council in Australia. “We all have a part to play in protecting our planet, starting with our own backyard.” Council has undertaken extensive industry, community and internal engagement as part of its goals to reduce emissions. This included the Youth Climate Summits, EV Tourism and Planning Roadshows with Economic Development Queensland, Sustainable Schools Summit 2020, Clean Jobs forum, Urban Heat Sensors and Study with TUDLab at JCU, Traditional owner engagement on Climate Change and Coastal Hazards and the annual EcoFiesta event. Dr Portia Odell, director of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest network of councils leading the way to a zero emissions future, said that the calibre of submissions showed how local governments are stepping up to the climate challenges and playing a vital role in Australia’s climate solution. Cr James said Council was developing the Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030, which would help set a pathway to net zero emissions. “We must set new targets for emissions reduction for Council operations and identify actions to support the community in adapting to a changing climate,” Cr James said. “As part of reviewing our own operations, Council will be looking at options to purchase 100% renewable energy to reduce operational emissions as well as a progression towards net zero emissions.” “It is our responsibility to do all we can to protect our reef, rainforest, lifestyle and environment. Our Climate Change Strategy 2030 is part of this responsibility.”