Queensland business
A new operating climate
Queensland businesses employ over a million Queenslanders and contributed nearly $100 billion to the Queensland economy in the 2007—08 financial year. Queensland industry supports many regional towns and communities both through local employment and high levels of economic activity.
The business sector accounted for more than 31 per cent of Queenslands overall emissions in 2007 and more than 10 per cent of Australia's total emissions. Emissions from Queenslands businesses are mostly a result of electricity use.
The introduction of the Commonwealth Governments Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) will affect Queensland businesses either through the need to purchase permits or through rising electricity and transport costs from the emerging price on carbon.
The direct effects of climate change will also impact Queenslands business. Climate-sensitive industries such as tourism and insurance will be directly affected by climate change in the medium term, while in the long term, changes in water availability, weather patterns and the number and severity of extreme weather events will affect most businesses in some way.
While Queensland businesses stand to be the most affected by climate change, it is in their best interest to take early action, make cost savings and exploit the commercial opportunities provided by climate change.
While the CPRS will drive emissions reduction by placing a price on carbon, the Queensland Government can help Queensland businesses act early to buffer themselves from the physical and economic impacts of climate change.
Queensland business - a new operating climate (PDF, 329K)*
Queensland business key initiatives fact sheets
- Skills Development for a Low Carbon Economy (PDF, 155K)*
- Carbon Outlook - understanding carbon impacts on small business (PDF, 418K)*
- Reducing Green Tape for Business (PDF, 418K)*
- ClimateSmart Business Service (PDF, 442K)*
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last reviewed 20 December 2010
Last updated 25 August 2009