Office of Climate Change

The Office of Climate Change, established in October 2007, comprises specific climate change policy functions and the scientific expertise of the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence (QCCCE).

Key functions of the office include coordination, implementation and review of Queensland’s climate change strategies and whole-of-government policy recommendations for achieving further cuts to the state’s emissions profile.

Priorities

The Office of Climate Change's priorities include:

• Reviewing Queensland's existing climate change strategies and developing Queensland's new strategy.
• Implementing ClimateSmart 2050, Queensland's climate change strategy.
• Implementing ClimateSmart Adaptation 2007–12, an action plan for preparing Queensland communities and industries for the impacts of climate change.
• Implementing measures to achieve Queensland's Q2 target of reducing Queensland households' carbon footprint by one-third. 
• Analysing Queensland's greenhouse gas emissions projections and developing policy recommendations for achieving further cuts to our emissions profile.
• Providing policy support to the Premier's Council on Climate Change. The 16 person advisory council ensures Queensland's efforts in addressing climate change are informed by the best available local and national knowledge and experience.
• Administering the $431 million Queensland Climate Change Fund, and developing new climate change initiatives from the $30 million per year that the fund provides.
• Coordinating and reviewing Climate Change Impact Statements (CCIS) in all relevant Cabinet and budget proposals to ensure consideration has been given to the impact of decisions on Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions profile.
• Fostering international relationships to ensure Queensland remains engaged in international climate change negotiations and science to assist in the development of appropriate adaptation measures to respond to climate change.