Every summer, Queenslanders face increasingly extreme weather events such as floods, storms, cyclones and heatwaves, all exacerbated by climate change. These events not only jeopardise the safety and well-being of our communities but also put an unnecessary strain on our economy.

To adequately prepare for the heat and hazards we are facing, we need more than just an emergency kit and evacuation strategy. We require proactive measures from our local governments to adapt and enhance our towns and communities' resilience to the impacts of extreme weather events. 

Given the scale of the task ahead, Federal, State and Local governments will need to work collaboratively to keep Queenslanders safe from extreme weather events. The first important step is ensuring our local governments are properly resourced to develop the skills and programs to effectively plan and implement the required changes for Queensland to adapt and become resilient. 

The conservation councils across Queensland urge both the Labor State Government and the LNP Opposition to commit to the measures outlined below to better prepare us for the challenges ahead. 

• Revamp the QCoast2100 Program
• Establish a QHeat2050 Program
• Promote Nature-based Solutions
• Support the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program

Revamp the QCoast2100 Program

Ensure that all local governments have access to non-competitive funding through the QCoast2100 Program. This funding should support local governments to create and implement hazard reduction plans utilising the latest science and modelling to accurately map interactions between riverine flooding, sea-level rise, coastal erosion and storm surge events.

Establish a QHeat2050 Program

Create a QHeat2050 Program that reflects the success of QCoast2100 and offers non-competitive funding to assist local governments. This funding should support local governments to create and implement hazard reduction plans including regional heat mapping, vulnerability assessments and biodiversity solutions.

Promote Nature-Based Solutions*

Promote and allocate funds to local governments to implement nature-based solutions through needs-responsive grant programs. Additionally, provide resources for local governments to hire staff with expertise in nature-based solutions to ensure climate-responsive design for safe, liveable communities.

Support the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program

Reinstate and commit to the long-term funding of the Local Government Association of Queensland's successful Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program. This program facilitates collaboration and capacity building across all local government areas, fostering resilience to climate change impacts. 

*Nature-based solutions leverage nature and the power of healthy ecosystems to protect people, optimise infrastructure and safeguard a stable and biodiverse future.