Can Queensland thrive amidst climate change? Discover EDQ's strategy for climate resilience

Is a thriving Queensland possible in an era of climate change? At Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), we answer with a resounding yes. Our vision is clear: to create and invest in sustainable places for Queensland to prosper. At the forefront of this vision is a globally rising concept – climate resilience.

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Queensland’s climate commitment

Innovation and sustainability are our mottos in designing and building places that people love to live in. As part of the Queensland Government, we're playing a big role in meeting the state's bold climate targets of transitioning to 70% renewable energy by 2032 and net zero emissions by 2050. Our strategy is multi-faceted, aimed at decarbonizing our economy and actively engaging stakeholders to steer our communities towards a net-zero emissions future.

The delicate dance of climate resilience

Addressing climate resilience requires a dual approach: mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation is our forward-thinking hero, striving to cut down the causes of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and embracing renewable energy. It's about rewriting our future to be greener and cleaner. On the other hand, adaptation is our practical problem-solver, adapting our lifestyles and infrastructure to live with the climate changes that are already happening and will into the future. It's like learning to dance in the rain rather than trying to stop the storm.

Our mitigation strategies include:

• Leading Australia's green transportation revolution with the Tropical North Queensland Electric Vehicle Drive, the nation's first electric vehicle tourist route. It features six dedicated charging stations across 500km of world-class scenery.
• Standardizing EV charging infrastructure by integrating charging stations in our projects and ensuring EV readiness in homes.
• Demonstrating net-zero energy emissions and innovative energy management in homes through our 100% Smart Solar Developments at Carseldine Village and Songbird Oxley.
• Investing in and delivering large-scale renewable energy projects in Aldoga, Mt Isa, and Salisbury.

Our adaptation efforts include:

• Nimble Infrastructure, showcased by our self-contained lighting systems at Cabbage Tree Creek and the Eat Street Northshore carpark, coupled with weather sensors at Northshore, and smart irrigation at The Green in Carseldine Village and the Maritime Green at Northshore.
• A focus on smart, sustainable urban design at Northshore, utilizing the innovative Digital Twin system to enhance natural light penetration and mitigate urban heat islands – crucial in our in our sub-tropical climate.

Designing and building for a changing climate is just good planning

Imagine a village designed to outsmart nature's most challenging events. That's the story of Carseldine Village. In 2022, when South East Queensland faced the wrath of a 'rain bomb', something remarkable happened — Carseldine stood resilient. This wasn’t a stroke of luck but the fruit of visionary planning. Back in 2018, EDQ’s Climate Adaptation Plan for Carseldine Village was not just a document but a blueprint for the future. It detailed how to turn a flood-prone area into a model of sustainability. By integrating advanced Water Sensitive Urban Design, Carseldine Village was equipped with sophisticated drainage systems and bioretention basins, more like nature's own defense mechanisms. These were no ordinary measures; they were innovative solutions that turned the tide against an extreme climate event.

The economic upside

Integrating climate resilience into our projects isn't just about damage control; it's about unlocking new opportunities and sparking innovation for long-term economic and social growth. Climate-resilient developments can catalyse job creation and protect infrastructure, translating into substantial economic benefits.

Transforming intent into impact

At EDQ, we recognise that the impacts of climate change are happening now, and we're working towards a comprehensive Climate Change Strategy to enhance our climate risk management capabilities and leverage our land assets for responsible, sustainable development.

Our approach includes embedding climate risk in planning and development decisions to build safer communities, deliver resilient infrastructure, and enable responsible development while reducing emissions and managing natural resources sustainably.

However, tackling climate change is a team effort. EDQ’s partnerships across government, private sector, NGOs, and communities are essential to address complex challenges and secure long-term prosperity. We're uniquely positioned to drive meaningful action in building resilience and protecting our environment.

Together, we can redefine Queensland's future, making it more resilient in the face of climate change. At EDQ, we are committed not only to envisioning bold ideas but also to transforming these ideas into tangible actions. Our approach is marked by innovation and a diversity of capabilities, uniquely tailored to each opportunity. We pride ourselves on finishing what we start. This is how we lead – with dedication and precision. We want to see a future where every generation has a thriving Queensland to call home.

To learn more about our projects and how you can partner with Queensland’s leading land use planning and property development agency, visit the EDQ website.

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