Councils map path to climate resilience

Published on 16 September 2026

• New regional roadmap sets practical priorities for climate resilience
• Actions aim to strengthen essential services, infrastructure and community preparedness
• Fraser Coast to continue leading regional council collaboration

Planning ahead and adapting to future climate impacts while maintaining essential services is at the heart of a new regional roadmap endorsed by Fraser Coast Regional Council today.

Developed through the Wide Bay Burnett and Central Queensland Climate Resilient Alliance, the Regional Initiatives Roadmap sets out practical actions to strengthen climate resilience in the years ahead.

Environment spokesperson Cr Zane O’Keefe said the Roadmap marked an important step from identifying shared challenges to working together on practical solutions.

“Heat, flooding, drought and coastal impacts don’t stop at council boundaries, so it makes sense for councils to work together wherever we can,” he said.

“This is about planning ahead, sharing what works and making long-term decisions about the roads, water infrastructure, community facilities and other essential services our communities rely on.

“Working together also means councils can share knowledge and expertise, reduce duplication and put forward a stronger regional case when funding opportunities arise.”

The Alliance was established in 2025 to bring together councils across the Wide Bay Burnett and Central Queensland regions to identify shared climate risks, opportunities and priorities and strengthen coordinated action and advocacy across the region.

It includes Fraser Coast, Rockhampton, Livingstone, Gladstone, North Burnett, South Burnett, Cherbourg and Gympie councils.

The new Roadmap identifies nine areas for regional action, including resilient infrastructure, water security and drought resilience, heat adaptation, coastal and tidal resilience, community preparedness, energy and economic transition, and stronger council capability and advocacy.

Cr O’Keefe said the focus would be on practical measures to help councils plan for changing conditions before climate impacts became more costly or disruptive.

“One of the first projects proposed will help councils factor climate risks into decisions about infrastructure and assets,” he said.

“That could mean having clearer information about when changing conditions might require us to alter the way an asset is designed, maintained or renewed.

“The aim is to take action at the right time, protect the services our communities depend on and avoid unnecessary costs in the future.”

The Roadmap sets out early and longer-term actions that reach beyond 2030, with priorities able to evolve as new information, funding and opportunities emerge.

Potential initiatives range from regional heat response planning and water efficiency projects to improving infrastructure resilience, coastal monitoring, community education and coordinated advocacy for government investment.

Cr O’Keefe said Fraser Coast’s continued role as host council would help maintain momentum built during the Alliance’s first year.

“Local governments are often dealing with many of the same challenges, so there is real value in pooling our knowledge rather than everyone trying to solve the same problems separately,” he said.

“Ultimately, this is about helping build stronger, more resilient communities and making sure the infrastructure and services people rely on are ready for the future.”