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ClimatePrimer CQ: a scoping study of business awareness and preparedness for climate change in the Rockhampton Region

Climate change represents a significant issue for the Rockhampton region, with rising temperatures, more hot days, rainfall decline and more extreme weather events. The impact of these changes will be felt across all business sectors, as well as the local community and natural environment. ClimatePrimer CQ was a research project undertaken by CQUniversity in 2009, with support from Rockhampton Regional Development Limited. The project collected baseline data on climate change awareness and preparedness in the Rockhampton area, by engaging with key businesses and industries through an online survey and telephone interviewing.   Key results were that businesses in the Rockhampton region remain uncertain and unconvinced of climate change - they are unaware of current predictions, how these will impact business, and how they should respond. Most businesses have not assessed risks or opportunities.  However, businesses agree that climate change is important and that it will impact their businesses. They are hungry for more information on climate change, funding programs and new opportunities.  There is strong evidence to support a regionally-based approach to managing climate change in central Queensland. Key recommendations include leadership, regional-level engagement, information and awareness programs, regional planning, and benchmarking and evaluation studies. (click here for the full report)

Contact: Dr Susan Kinnear on (07) 4930 9336 or s.kinnear@cqu.edu.au.