For over 40 years CAFNEC has been here to represent community concerns about our environment, helping the community have their voices heard and take action. CAFNEC was formed in 1981 by members of a number of local conservation groups. As a regional conservation council, we help coordinate action on important environment issues and a have a state and national platform for regional environment issues. As an environment centre we also provide a single, accessible contact point for conservation action in the region. Since 1981 CAFNEC has led, collaborated and supported scores of campaigns to advocate for our FNQ environment.
Water Advocacy
Water security is an increasing concern across the nation. Despite housing the Wet Tropics, FNQ is no different. We are witnessing increasing pressure for water infrastructure. CAFNEC is working with experts & community to ensure that we get solutions that are good fore people and the environment.
Climate Justice FNQ
Climate Change is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time! CAFNEC is helping the FNQ Region to take action, and you can get involved too.
Learn about our doorknocking work, climate action now signs, and how to make sure the our decision makers are setting ambitious goals!
Renewable Energy & Thriving Nature
Emissions Reduction from the energy sector is essential for a safe climate. However large scale development of any kind presents a threat to biodiversity & we need to ensure a rapid transition doesn’t come at a cost to nature and people.
history
Ongoing & Past Campaigns
Plastic
Over the years CAFNEC has campaigned to reduce single-use plastic use. There have been many iterations of our fight to reduce plastics, the most recent campaign was launched in 2016 and still continues today. Plastics have major impacts, ocean pollution, health impacts and climate impacts. We all have a responsibility to reduce plastic but as a key steward of the Great Barrier Reef, our region has extra imperative.
Stop Plastic Pollution
Plastic: It all adds up
Biodiversity
Our region is host to so many different types of environments, and is one of the most unique and varied in Australia. The biodiversity of our terrestrial environments faces threats in many different ways. We are working on an ongoing basis to ensure our beautiful biodiversity is protected.
Invasive Species
Mangroves and Wetlands
- Mangroves and Wetlands
- Mangrove Discoveries in Cairns
- Cairns Airport Development
- Jack Barnes Boardwalk
- Mangrove Die-back in the Gulf
- Gulf of Carpentaria Biodiversity
Fauna
Marine
The marine environments of FNQ is world renowned. With the Great Barrier Reef on our doorstep, along with the marine environments in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait, we have a responsibility to take action as the stewards of these beautiful environments. CAFNEC continues to work on the following campaigns.
Sustainable Living
Sustainability events
- CAFNEC is a part of the Annual EcoFiesta lead by Cairns Regional Council
- We have been involved in past Sustainable House Day
- Green Drinks – a networking event for environmentally minded folks
Useful publications
- Retrofitting for Sustainability in the Tropics
- Sustainable Tropical Building Design Guidelines for Commercial Buildings
Other organisations
- Tropical Green Building Network
- Cairns Climate Action Network
- Cairns Regional Council Green Thumb sustainable living project
Save Our Coral Sea
Our Coral Sea is a beacon of hope. It is one of the last places on Earth where ocean giants – sharks, tuna, marlin – are still abound, and its vibrant coral reefs still pulse with the rhythm of life. The Coral Sea Marine Reserve is an important step towards safe-guarding this marine jewel for the future.
Land Clearing
Queensland is in the midst of an environmental crisis from land clearing. Every second in Queensland a tree is bulldozed and a native animal dies as a consequence of land clearing. However, the consequences reach far beyond the clearing.
FNQ Solar
Solar panels are now an affordable option for Australian households and businesses looking to reduce their power bills. Renewable energy is becoming a financial and environmental necessity. The FNQ Solar Hub provides clear and unbiased information on the benefits of solar power and what to consider when choosing a solar system.