Media Statements

Councils collaborate to improve climate resilience

22 August 2025

A regional partnership hosted by Ipswich City Council has secured $196,000 in funding through the Queensland Government’s Climate Resilient Councils program to help councils better strengthen the climate resilience of their operations.

The South East Queensland Climate Resilience Alliance (SEQCRA) was formed between eight South East Queensland councils in 2024 to promote increased regional collaboration on climate change.

Alliance member councils are Ipswich City Council (host), Brisbane City Council, City of Moreton Bay, City of Gold Coast, Noosa Shire Council, Logan City Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council and Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said SEQCRA offers an important opportunity for member councils to work together on climate projects that achieve greater impact and efficiency than working alone.

“The operations of councils are impacted in many ways from climate change across areas such as governance, risk, insurance and long-term planning,” Mayor Harding said.

“By working together, we can provide collaborative outcomes that stretch beyond any single local government area.

“We can unlock increased efficiencies, economies of scale and regional solutions to common challenges.

“Climate change impacts all of our communities and Ipswich is proud to host SEQCRA to facilitate regional collaboration between SEQ councils.”

Ipswich City Council Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden welcomed the funding.

“The funds will be used to build understanding among member councils of climate related risks to councils’ organisational capabilities,” Cr Madden said.

“Climate change impacts are most often considered as environment hazards. However, the compounding effects severely impact councils’ capacity to deliver services for the community.

“This funding will be used to facilitate regional conversation, engage with industry leading experts and develop practical tools and resources to support staff at all levels to advance climate resilience.”

Brisbane City Council Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair Councillor Tracy Davis said Brisbane was proud to stand alongside its neighbouring councils in taking meaningful action for the future of our region.

“This alliance is about future-proofing our communities through shared knowledge and smart planning,” Cr Davis said.

“By working together, we can better protect what makes South East Queensland such a great place to live, work and relax.”

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said it was vital South East Queensland councils worked together to improve climate resilience, particularly in the face of unprecedented growth.

“SEQCRA is an important partnership as it helps support each LGA achieve their climate goals under a shared purpose, so together we can create a better future for everyone,” Mayor Flannery said.

“At City of Moreton Bay, we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions for Council operations by 2039 and preserving 75 per cent of our landmass as rural and natural landscapes, which is outlined in our Environment and Sustainability Strategy and our Growth Management Strategy.

“We are focused on going green as we grow, balancing green priorities with catering for growth including the delivery of new homes and community infrastructure.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast has Australia’s fastest growing economy and is one of the fastest growing cities.

“This funding will ensure our city maintains its resilience and protects the lifestyle we love, as we continue on our path to a greener, more sustainable and liveable city,” Mayor Tate said.

Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp welcomed the funding which will assist council in its ongoing efforts to protect and maintain our environment.

“There's strength in numbers and, as a small regional council, Scenic Rim's membership of SEQCRA provides access to expertise, peer learning, and collaborative support to tackle environmental risks we couldn’t address alone,” Mayor Sharp said.

“Increased regional collaboration will benefit all member councils as we are all part of this new landscape.”

Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan welcomed the collaboration.

“In the Lockyer Valley, we know all too well the impacts of natural disasters and the importance of working together to build resilience,” Mayor Milligan said.

“Being part of SEQCRA allows us to band together, learn from each other, and maximise positive results across all our councils, which is essential in ensuring we can face future challenges more effectively.”