Australia: $12 million in Queensland State funding available for climate change

The Queensland State Government has called on Queensland local governments to submit bids for a $12 million State Government fund to help them safeguard their communities from the impacts of climate change.

In 2015, the Queensland Government implemented the Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy (Q-CAS). Q-CAS was established to address risks to the economy, environment, infrastructure and communities from current and future climate impacts.

A recent initiative from the Queensland Government saw the realignment of the coastal management district (CMD) over coastal areas along the entirety of the Queensland coast. CMD mapping considers erosion prone area mapping decaled by the State which includes a projected sea level rise of 0.8m to 2100 from climate change (see our article here).

Q-CAS is comprised of a significant number of partners including local government, business, industry, community representatives, universities and research institutes, and environment stewards. The establishment of the Q-CAS Partners was the first step toward identifying risks, needs and opportunities across the state.

Over the past few months, the Queensland Government has been working with the partners, government organisations and the public to develop ways to ensure that Queensland is made resilient and can adapt to the effects of climate change.

The State, in association with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has just launched the QCoast2100 program. The Coastal Hazard Adaptation Program (QCoast₂₁₀₀) is a Queensland Government commitment of a $12 million fund over three years to assist 41 coastal councils advance coastal hazard adaptation planning.

DibbsBarker is a Q-CAS founding member with DibbsBarker partner, Mark Baker-Jones the chair of Q-CAS.

This article is intended to provide commentary and general information. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. Formal legal advice should be sought in particular transactions or on matters of interest arising from this article. Authors listed may not be admitted in all states and territories