Update by: Maria Anselmo, Regional Climate Resilience Coordinator
Climate Resilience
The climate resilience space is as dynamic as ever, with recent months seeing changes in climate reporting legislation for large organisations, new research on extreme weather events in Australia, and additional funding for disaster resilience. FNQROC has proudly represented Far North Queensland at the state and national levels, attending forums and webinars on energy transition, extreme weather event impacts, coastal adaption and climate risk and reporting.
In partnership with the National Environmental Science Program's Climate Systems Hub, FNQROC hosted the "Adapt Land & Sea" workshop in Cairns. The event brought together decision-makers in natural assets and biodiversity conservation to discuss resource needs for informed decision-making.
At the July 2024 Climate Resilience Technical Committee meeting in Cairns, members discussed the Council's role in carbon credits and public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Key takeaways are available in the meeting minutes on our website.
Grassroots Resilience to Disaster Events
The Australian Disaster Resilience Conference 2024 in Sydney brought together professionals to discuss frameworks, technologies, and community-led initiatives for strengthening disaster resilience. A standout moment was a professional development session in the Blue Mountains, where attendees engaged with bushfire-impacted communities.
In these remote areas, with fewer than 300 residents, collaboration between neighbouring towns was crucial. Residents formed an incorporated entity, securing government funding for disaster recovery. They now have a hub for community events, including disaster preparedness workshops, and have developed their own disaster management plan to strengthen their bushfire response.
For Far North Queensland, the resilience of the Blue Mountains community serves as an inspiring example. As we face challenges such as bushfires, tropical cyclones, and heatwaves, the question arises: how can Local Government ensure support for everyone? If not, how can Governments empower remote communities to drive their own resilience strategies?
Council Collaboration for Climate Mitigation
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory is nearing the end of its data collection phase. Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook Shire, Etheridge Shire, and Croydon Shire Councils have already received their emissions data, while other Councils are near final stages.
A quick recap - thanks to funding from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we've hired a temporary project officer to assist Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale, and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Councils in developing their emissions inventories.
We are excited to announce that Cassowary Coast Regional Council's CRTC members have jumped on board. Having recently completed their own emissions inventory, Cassowary Coast staff are well-traversed to assist neighbouring Councils in collecting data for the emissions report.
Early meetings at Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council in September have demonstrated the benefits of this peer-to-peer approach, strengthening regional collaboration as officers share knowledge and experiences while working together towards a common goal.
Funding For Drought Resilience
As the development of the Regional Drought Resilience Plans (RDRP) wraps up, new funding opportunities are opening. The RDRP Planning Scheme offers co-contribution grants of up to $450,000 for eligible entities to implement resilience-building activities. Administered by QRIDA, the funding includes $300,000 for project implementation and $150,000 for financial assistance for wages.
FNQROC, as hosts of the Gulf Hinterland and Wet Tropics RDRPs, is working with Natural Resource Management organisations to secure resources for implementation. With the Climate Resilience Technical Committee actively involved, they are well-placed to lead the implementation and monitor outcomes. Progress updates will be shared at future Technical Committee meetings.
Representing FNQ on the National Stage
FNQROC has been invited to Canberra by the Australian Climate Service to attend the National Climate Risk Assessment Results Workshop. We will provide feedback on stage two findings, ensuring Far North Queensland's unique climate risks are represented in the National Adaptation Plan. Our ongoing involvement since 2023 will continue as we help shape Australia's first National Climate Adaptation Strategy.