9 November 2022 - Council Tackles Climate Change At A Local Level

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Published
9th November 2022

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been included in a new report showcasing the proactive initiatives local councils are taking to reduce climate change impacts within the Great Barrier Reef region.

The Reef Guardian Councils Climate change snapshot highlights Council-led actions such as developing policies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, changing street lighting to LED and installing solar panels on Council buildings of which we currently have 970 kilowatts installed.

Many of these climate change initiatives deliver a triple bottom-line benefit to communities – social, environmental and financial.

Environmental Portfolio Holder Jeff Baines said Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been an active Reef Guardian Council, delivering initiatives focused on waste education and recycling, a compost bin rebate program, solar power installation on Council’s major buildings and community tree giveaways.

“Councils play a significant role in how their communities interact with and protect the Reef, through planning and policy, effective management of water, waste and land, and community education.

“Council continues to provide advice and support through Council nursery outlets, and conducts two free tree giveaway events each year,” Councillor Baines said.

“This initiative aims to increase native species numbers and in turn sequester carbon through revegetation.”

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is one of 19 councils in the Reef Guardian Councils program, a collaborative stewardship arrangement between local governments in the Great Barrier Reef catchment and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority CEO Josh Thomas said climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs worldwide.

“The Reef Authority’s climate change position statement emphasises that only the strongest and fastest possible actions to decrease global greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the risks and limit the impacts of climate change on the Reef,” Mr Thomas said.

“Climate change is a global issue, requiring a global response, however, local and regional approaches are central to protecting and managing the Great Barrier Reef, and we applaud the efforts our Reef Guardian Council partners are taking to accelerate actions to decrease emissions.”

The Reef Guardian Councils Climate change snapshot can be viewed online at www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-work/programs-and-projects/reef-guardian-councils.

For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.