Policy Reform
Policy creation and review has major implications for our human and natural communities. As a regional conservation council we are often advocating for new policies; as well as providing comment on policy reviews, to ensure we are getting the best possible outcomes for the natural environments that are so important to all of us. In some cases CAFNEC will make submissions on behalf of our community. At other times, when there are immediate or important consequences, we will ask the community to assist us in making submissions. Stay up to date here with our most recent policy submissions.
Current Policy Work
NACA Submission: Preparing for Emerging Industries, Northern Australia
Submission date: January 2026
Submitted to: Joint Standing Committee for Northern Australia
The Northern Australia Conservation Alliance (NACA) welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia’s Inquiry into Preparing for Emerging Industries Across Northern Australia.
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry indicate that the federal government is still looking at Northern Australia as the sacrifice zone for development. Rather than asking ‘how can we support the visions of Northern Australia and increase the well being of communities and nature’, the inquiry takes a focus on what can be extracted from our communities. In our submission we focus on what a reframe of this dvelopment agenda could look like.
Read NACA’s full submission here.
CAFNEC Submission: Draft FNQ Regional Plan 2025
Submission date: December 2025
Submitted to: Queensland Government (Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning)
CAFNEC made a detailed submission on the Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, focusing on whether the Plan delivers meaningful environmental protection, climate resilience and long-term sustainability across the region.
Our submission strongly supported the intent of the Plan but identified critical gaps that risk entrenching ongoing biodiversity decline and increasing climate exposure. We emphasised the need for the Plan to explicitly acknowledge the current condition and trajectory of regional biodiversity, embed climate change as a core driver of land use risk, and prioritise avoidance-based planning rather than reliance on mitigation after impacts occur.
CAFNEC recommended stronger protections for the regional biodiversity network and Strategic Rehabilitation Areas, clearer safeguards for ecotourism to ensure genuine environmental benefit, and more robust planning direction to protect water quality and catchment health linked to the Great Barrier Reef.
We also raised concerns about the Plan’s delivery framework, recommending clear implementation mechanisms, baseline monitoring, accountability measures, and ongoing involvement of Traditional Owners and community in plan delivery and review, to ensure the Regional Plan is operational rather than aspirational over its 20-year lifespan.
Read CAFNEC’s full submission here.
CAFNEC Submission: Port Hinchinbrook Provisional Priority Development Area
Port Hinchinbrook Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA)
Submission date: December 2025
Submitted to: Economic Development Queensland
CAFNEC made a submission on the Draft Provisional Land Use Plan (PLUP) for the Port Hinchinbrook Provisional Priority Development Area, raising serious concerns about the plan’s failure to protect public interest, Traditional Owner governance, World Heritage values, and long-term climate resilience.
Our submission highlighted that the Draft PLUP prioritises the continuation of legacy development and harbour infrastructure, including dredging and canal maintenance, despite a long history of environmental harm, public cost, and climate risk at the site. We argued that the plan does not adequately apply the precautionary principle, address acid sulphate soils, protect seagrass and dugong habitat, or respond to increasing storm-tide and sea-level rise risks.
CAFNEC emphasised strong and longstanding community and Traditional Owner support for a conservation-led future for Port Hinchinbrook, including options such as expansion of Girringun National Park or other protected tenure grounded in sea country custodianship.
We recommended that the Draft PLUP be significantly amended to centre Traditional Owner co-governance, properly assess conservation alternatives, strengthen environmental safeguards, and ensure planning decisions reflect genuine public interest and long-term ecological resilience.
Read CAFNEC’s full submission here.
CAFNEC Submission: Senate Inquiry into EPBC Reform Bills 2025
Submission date: November 2025
Submitted to: Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee
CAFNEC made a submission to the Senate inquiry into the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and related bills, supporting the need for comprehensive reform of Australia’s national environment laws while raising serious concerns about weaknesses in the proposed framework.
Our submission identified five key issues that risk undermining environmental protection if left unaddressed: excessive ministerial discretion, ongoing deforestation loopholes, the absence of a climate harm test, the offloading of federal responsibility to state systems, and the expansion of a “pay-to-destroy” offsets model.
CAFNEC highlighted how these flaws could exacerbate biodiversity loss and climate impacts in Far North Queensland, including risks to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas, threatened species such as the southern cassowary and mahogany glider, and Reef-connected catchments.
We recommended strengthening the reform package by making national environmental standards legally binding, closing deforestation exemptions, embedding climate change as a core consideration in decision-making, retaining strong Commonwealth oversight of Matters of National Environmental Significance, and prohibiting offsets for irreplaceable habitats to ensure environmental protection is based on avoidance and science, not discretionary approvals or payments in lieu.
Read CAFNEC’s full submission here.
NACA Submission: National Climate Risk Assessment
Submission date: September 2025
Submitted to: Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications
Submitted by: Northern Australia Conservation Alliance (NACA)
CAFNEC contributed to a joint submission through the Northern Australia Conservation Alliance to the Senate inquiry into Australia’s Climate Risk Assessment, calling for full public release of the assessment and stronger, community-led climate action for northern Australia.
The submission outlined the disproportionate and escalating climate risks facing northern Australia, including extreme heat, cyclones, flooding, sea level rise, ecosystem collapse and growing threats to First Nations communities, livelihoods and nationally significant ecosystems. It highlighted evidence that large parts of the north could become near-unliveable within decades under current global warming trajectories.
NACA warned that continued expansion of fossil fuel extraction in northern Australia risks turning the region into a climate sacrifice zone, undermining biodiversity, public health, cultural heritage and long-term economic security.
The submission called on the Australian Government to immediately release the Climate Risk Assessment in full, commit to a transparent and inclusive process for future assessments, align adaptation and mitigation policies with climate science, and phase out fossil fuel exports to safeguard northern Australia’s communities, cultures and globally significant environments.
Read our full submission here.
NACA Submission: Strategy on Nature Implementation Framework
Australia’s Strategy for Nature is our National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. It has been updated following Australia’s adoption of the landmark 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
In October 2025 the implementation plan for Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024–2030 was open for consultation and the Northern Australia Conservation Alliance (NACA) made a submission outlining a host of reccomendations.
Read our full submission here.
CAFNEC Submission: Draft Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy
CAFNEC has lodged a detailed submission on the Queensland and Australian Governments’ draft Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy. We are calling for a much stronger, clearer, and better-resourced plan to reduce land-based pollution and protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Our submission highlights major gaps in the draft Strategy, including the absence of an implementation plan, weak accountability frameworks, outdated or unfinished targets, and limited guidance on how the Reef will meet its 2030 water quality commitments to UNESCO. We also raise concerns about systemic barriers to meaningful Traditional Owner leadership, insufficient prioritisation of high-risk catchments, and the lack of clarity around regulation, compliance, vegetation clearing, and new development pressures.
CAFNEC is urging governments to deliver a Strategy that is scientifically robust, properly funded, and genuinely capable of driving the improvements needed to support the Reef’s resilience in a rapidly changing climate.
Read our full submission here.
Joint Submission: Draft Renewables Regulatory Framework
CAFNEC signed onto a joint submission by Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) and other regional conservation organisations to the consultation on the Draft Renewables Regulatory Framework.
In our submission, we welcomed the release of the draft framework and the updates to State Code 23 which will require developers to take more accountability for managing the impacts of wind developments. We also urged the Queensland Government to prioritise the following:
- Releasing an energy plan to meet Queensland’s 75% emissions reduction target by 2035
- Setting a clear framework for renewable energy regulation and resourcing the timely assessment of projects
- Continuing the Renewable Energy Zone development, including supporting policies and funding outlined in this draft renewables regulatory framework and other projects such as the Regional Energy Transformation Partnerships Framework
- Mapping areas of high environmental value to guide development.
Read our full submission here.
CAFNEC Submission: Mitchell River Water Plan Review
The QLD government has initiated the review process for the Mitchell Water Plan. The review comes at a time where climate change and development proposals are creating increased pressure on an already vulnerable system.
CAFNEC has made a submission to the first step in engagement, where the department asks for initial input to the plan review. We look forward to further consultation with the State Government.
Read our full submission here.
Joint Submission: Draft Coastal Management Plan
Queensland’s coastline is extraordinary, comprising beaches, islands, reefs, estuaries, and ecosystems rich with biodiversity and endemic species. Our coastal settlements are among the most sought-after places to live in the world. However, with intense pressures of growth, climate change and biodiversity loss, conservation groups expect an adaptive, systematic, and integrated approach embedded in a QLD Coastal Management Plan. In this joint submission from groups spanning QLD’s coast, we highlight key priorities needed in the Plan for liveability and resilience of our communities and to protect and regenerate the legacy of our unique natural environment.
CAFNEC Submission: Inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia
Joint Submission: Performance Framework for QLD Biodiversity Strategy
The Queensland Government’s Performance Framework for the state biodiversity strategy is a critical tool for guiding and assessing the state’s efforts in conserving and enhancing its biodiversity. However, upon review, it is evident that the framework exhibits several inconsistencies and deficiencies that undermine its effectiveness. Notably, there is a disconnect between the Biodiversity Strategy, which is informed by the CBD post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Performance Framework, which references the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This misalignment has led to a lack of specificity, measurable targets, and clear indicators within the framework, impacting its ability to effectively monitor progress and achieve desired conservation outcomes. This submission outlines the key issues identified in the current framework, including inconsistencies, lack of specificity, vague measurability, unclear achievability, relevance concerns, and absence of time-bound deadlines. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring that Queensland’s biodiversity strategy is both robust and actionable, thereby enhancing the state’s capacity to meet its biodiversity goals and commitments.
Joint Submission: Crocodile Control And Conservation Bill 2024
The signatories to this submission strongly oppose the Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2024 (The Bill) introduced by Mr Shane Knuth MP, Member for Hill on 22 May 2024. The Bill is dangerously simplistic and an attempt to reinvent the current framework for crocodile management in Queensland as contained in the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan (The Plan).
Crocodile Management Plan Draft
The Response to Queensland Crocodile Management Plan Draft (The Draft) prepared by Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (The Department) has raised major concerns for the Cairns and Far North Queensland Environment Centre (CAFNEC). The Department has requested submissions in relation to “how clearly the draft plan explains” the five topics listed for consideration, however CAFNEC is of the view that there are a number of significant matters in the Plan that appear to ignore or contradict the evidence and recommendations on which the Draft is said to have been based.
Queensland Energy Bill
Our communities are already
suffering the impacts of climate change, from flooded homes to ecosystems at risk. We
desperately need to take action to reduce emissions rapidly. Renewable energy is one of the
best ways we can do this. We were very pleased that the 2022 Queensland Energy and Jobs
Plan provided a path to end Queensland’s expensive and dangerous reliance on coal fired
power.Developing Renewable Energy Zone frameworks can work together to ensure that renewable energy is built to meet the system needs and decarbonise our energy.
We urge the Government and Opposition to support this bill, and accelerate the development of
REZ readiness frameworks to ensure the transition to renewable energy benefits nature,
communities and climate.
Review of State Code 23
We urge the Queensland Government to take this opportunity to strengthen the code further to improve environmental safeguards, mandate community consultation and enshrine free, prior and informed consent through the following key improvements. We have also included below our recommendations for the broader planning framework review, including as set out in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, to deliver a strategic and well planned renewables roll out that delivers a safe climate future, thriving nature and strong communities.
Northern Conservation Alliance: Submission on the National Water Agreement
The Northern Conservation Alliance is a coalition of Conservation Councils covering the North of Australia, comprising Environment Centre Northern Territory, Environs Kimberley and Cairns and Far North Environment Centre.
Our organisations recognise that the unique, globally significant natural values, climate and ecological processes of Northern Australia require a different approach. The new National Water Agreement must support an approach to water governance that respects, nurtures and values the environment and culture of Northern Australia, and provides social, economic and environmental justice now and well into then future.
Cairns Regional Council: Draft Climate Change Strategy 2030
The Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030 sets a pathway for Cairns Regional Council to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 and to support the climate aspirations of our community. This strategy is Council’s commitment to our community on climate action, so they are inviting questions, comments and feedback on the draft before finalising and actioning the strategy.
You can read CAFNEC’s submission and make your own submission here.
EPBC Act Review
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is our key environmental legislation that sits at a Federal level and is designed to protect our most vulnerable ecosystems. In 2019 the statutory review of the EPBC Act commenced. The review will look at how the EPBC Act has been operating, and any changes needed for the Act to ensure it is fulfilling its purpose.
But we know our EPBC Act is failing to protect the plants and animals that we love and that are essential for our planet’s wellbeing. It is weak, poorly funded and doesn’t even mention climate change.
You can see CAFNEC’s submission here.
In the meantime, you can make your own submission– We’ve put everything you need to know in one place!
Recent Policy Work
Sustainable Ports Development Act 2015 - Cairns Port Provisions
The Sustainable Ports Development Act 2015 (Ports Act) provides a legislative framework for sustainable port development in Queensland. For the Port of Cairns, the Ports Act includes specific provisions (section 35(2)(b) and (3)) that allows the carrying out of limited capital dredging for a port facility within the inner harbour of the Port of Cairns. Up to 50,000 cubic metres of material can be approved to a limit of no more than 150,000 cubic metres of material in a 4-year period.
The Ports Act also includes provisions (section 38) that require a review of sections 35(2)(b) and (3) to be completed. The review required by section 38 of the Ports Act is currently underway.
Spectacled Flying-fox Relocation Management Plan
The Cairns Library colony has approximately 10% of the entire national population of Spectacled Flying Foxes, and fared better than all other roosts during the 2018 heatwave. Yet Cairns Regional Council has proposed a Relocation Management Plan to disperse and relocate this colony of more than 5000 Spectacled Flying Foxes.
Read CAFNEC’s submission on the proposed relocation plan: CAFNEC Submission – Cairns Flying-fox Relocation Management Plan R07
The Code of Practice - Ecologically sustainable management of Flying-fox roosts
The Cairns Library colony has approximately 10% of the entire national population of Spectacled Flying Foxes, and fared better than all other roosts during the 2018 heatwave. Yet Cairns Regional Council has proposed a Relocation Management Plan to disperse and relocate this colony of more than 5000 Spectacled Flying Foxes.
Read CAFNEC’s submission on the review of the code: Code of Practice Review
Queensland Electoral Spending Laws
CAFNEC supports the stated intention of this Bill to make elections fairer, and to limit the influence of big money over politicians in Queensland. However, after reviewing the legislation, we are deeply concerned that it will not meet the stated intention. As it reads, it will have major impacts on small community organisations and charities, like CAFNEC, yet still allow for the influence of the largest groups spending on, and influencing elections.
Read CAFNEC’s submission on the proposed legislation: Submission on the Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Bill 2019 (Bill).