REGIONAL Queenslanders as well as those living in the state’s capital can have their say on how climate change is affecting their communities through a series of State Government workshops.

The workshops started yesterday and will run in Cairns, Proserpine, Charleville, Gold Coast, Yeppoon, Longreach, and Brisbane.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the workshops were part of the government’s public consultation process on its climate change adaptation strategy.

“The workshops run until December 13 and will provide participants with the opportunity to have their say on the issues that affect their region,” Dr Miles said.

“We’re investing $3 million to develop the Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy, which will help the community, industry, local government, and research institutions in identifying climate change risks and implementing solutions.”

Dr Miles said the government had also extended the date for public feedback on its Queensland Climate Adaptation Directions Statement to 9 January 2017.

The statement provides the broad directions for developing the adaptation strategy and is available online (www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/adapting)

“It’s important everyone has their say on how we can best meet the challenge of climate change head-on,” Dr Miles said.

“I urge all Queenslanders to get involved, have a read of the directions statement and make their comments, and to attend our regional workshops.

“You don’t have to be a climate change scientist to have your say, we want everyone’s opinions – mums, dads, families, business and industry groups, agriculture groups - from the person in the street to the experts.”

The public can have its say by making a submission or participating in an online surveyor by emailing written submissions to adaptation@ehp.qld.gov.au.

The public workshop in Cairns will be held on Thursday 1 December 2016 from 1pm-3pm at the Cairns Civic Reception Room.