By Roy Weavers

In a comprehensive self-auditing report, Council has examined its progress toward a goal of becoming one of the greenest regions in the nation.
The inaugural Cairns Regional Council State of the Environment Report 2008/2009 was compiled to provide the community with environmental information in a single consolidated source and to deliver a transparent statement on liveability and the environment to the community.

Mayor Val Schier said the year’s data was reported in respect to issues such as water and energy use, development and habitat protection and recycling and waste.

“These are the areas where Council wants to monitor its efforts so the community can see progress and understand where the region is going in terms of sustainability and preserving our unique environment,” Cr Schier said.

“Council shares in resources and data with other corporate entities to increase its capacity to understand what is required of the community to move to the future and to prepare for the effects of climate change.”

The State of the Environment Report provides public record of the achievements of Council on progress toward sustainability and measures the achievement of outcomes for the natural environment and well being across the regional community.

“It is an enlightening exercise to measure ourselves against other Councils and although we are leaders in many areas there is still room for improvement,” Cr Schier said.

Find a copy of the report at:

http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/content/CairnsPlan/StateofEnvironmentReport.htm