North Queenslanders give Crisafulli 5 Recommendations for Climate Resilience and Recovery after Floods

North Queenslanders give Crisafulli five recommendations for climate resilience and recovery after floods

13 February 2025

As rains ease after over a week of catastrophic flooding, conservation groups across the region call on fellow north Queenslander, Premier Crisafulli, to include preventative climate action and community resilience in his recovery efforts. 

The North Queensland Conservation Council, Mackay Conservation Group, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, and the Queensland Conservation Council warn climate disasters like this are on the rise. They’re giving the Crisafulli Government five recommendations including stronger climate action and vital investment in making our communities more resilient.

North Queensland Conservation Council’s Coordinator, Crystal Falknau, said:

“Over a week since the flooding began, we’ve seen February rainfall records tumble. Flash flooding has been an almost daily occurrence, disrupting bus services and delaying cleanup efforts. 

“Queensland has always had extreme weather, but those of us on the ground know these rainfall events are getting worse. After a deathly hot summer, households and businesses are battling mould and mud, many for the second time in just six years.

“Right now, we’re experiencing first hand what the climate crisis looks like, what science has been telling us will happen. As a fellow North Queenslander, I’m calling on David Crisafulli to listen to that science and do what’s needed to protect our communities.” 

Mackay Conservation Group’s Coordinator, Emma Barrett, said:

“We are now seeing the full scale of what unabated climate change looks like – from flooded homes and power stations, to empty supermarket shelves.

“The climate disaster in north Queensland is a prime example of how climate change is exacerbating the cost of living crisis for our communities. The Bruce Highway is a critical road for all Queenslanders, and in the north, a climate-damaged Bruce Highway means no access to essential supplies and food.

“The Crisafulli Government can take steps to ensure food security by reinstating funding for the Climate Resilient Councils Program, and limiting our exposure to climate disaster in the first place by reducing Queensland’s emissions.” 

Cairns and Far North Environment Centre’s Director, Bronwyn Opie, said:

“Our communities are still recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Jasper, and now we are seeing the same climate devastation unfold just one year later.

“Well-funded, community-led responses, earlier warning systems, and trauma-informed mental health support are all critical recommendations we’ve heard straight from flood-impacted communities in the year since Cyclone Jasper. 

“These cumulative climate disasters are putting enormous strains on our ecosystems and communities. Premier Crisafulli can and must ease these strains through proactive mitigation.” 

Queensland Conservation Council’s Climate Campaigner, Charlie Cox, said:

“The Queensland LNP made a promise to Queenslanders that they support climate action when they voted in favour of legislating the state’s 75% by 2035 emission reduction target. We expect David Crisafulli to honour that commitment to Queenslanders.

“Concerningly, we've seen the State Government take several steps to undermine climate action over his first 100 days in office, including flagging their intention to repeal Queensland's renewable energy targets and forming a committee to streamline new coal approvals.

“A responsible government plans for the future, not just their term of government, and acts to ensure our communities will have a safe, secure and prosperous future. 

“We welcome the Premier’s comments about building back better after the floods, but if he's serious about that, he'll go far deeper than the immediate recovery by maintaining our renewable energy targets, delivering real cuts to emissions, and preparing our communities for already baked-in climate impacts.

Media contact: Ellie McLachlan, 0407 753 830

Available for interview:

• Crystal Falknau - Coordinator, North Queensland Conservation Council

• Charlie Cox - Climate Campaigner, Queensland Conservation Council

• Emma Barrett - Coordinator, Mackay Conservation Group

Joint recommendations for the Queensland Government

1) Reform QCoast2100 Program

Ensure that all local governments are well-funded to create and implement hazard reduction plans that address climate-driven riverine flooding, coastal erosion and storm surge events, including the most recent sea-level rise data.

2) Establish a QHeat2050 Program

Create a program that reflects the success of QCoast2100 and funds local governments to develop heat strategies for incorporation into local planning and mitigation measures.

3) Support the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program

Reinstate and commit to the long-term funding of the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program to facilitate collaboration and capacity building across all local government areas, fostering resilience to climate change impacts.

4) Maintain Queensland’s renewable energy targets

Keep Queensland’s renewable energy transition on track by urgently accelerating the rollout of renewables and storage to ensure we reach at least 82% renewable energy generation by 2030.

5) Plan for Queensland’s emissions reduction targets 

Release an energy plan for reaching 75% reduction in emissions by 2035, including a plan for measuring and addressing the super pollutant methane. Committing to no new coal and gas projects or infrastructure is in line with this target, and will help protect communities from more extreme weather.

ENDS