Residents of Cairns Regional Council will join thousands of Australians in towns and cities around the country on November 17 to call for action on dangerous climate change.

“We took part in this huge national day of action because we wanted to make sure Cairns was on the map when it came to standing up for stronger action on climate change," said a Get Up Cairns spokesperson. 

"On Sunday 17 at 11am, concerned people of Cairns will gather in the shallow end of the lagoon for a Global Cooling Party. Wearing orange, we will march into the deep end, in a symbolic action demonstrating what will happen if we do not take action on climate change.

“We’re expecting plenty of locals to come along - we know there are lots of people in Cairns who want real action on climate, fast.”

As Cairns residents meet at the lagoon, many others will be doing the same all over the country. Organisers expect events ranging from rallies with thousands of participants in state capitals, through to local events in more than 100 communities all over the country.

GetUp National Director Sam Mclean said, “With gatherings in more places than ever before, this record-breaking day will let the new government know we won’t stand for going backwards on climate action."

“Australians across the nation are turning up the heat, calling on the government to aim higher on climate,” said Sam Mclean.