Taking steps to decarbonise three Great Barrier Reef Islands

Following the Great Keppel whole-of-island pilot, Arup, EarthCheck, Regional Economic Solutions and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council were commissioned by the Queensland Government to assist Magnetic, Palm and Masig Island transition to a low or zero carbon future and become more resilient. 

The aim was to take advantage of new technologies and innovative practices to reduce greenhouse emissions, and provide extra benefits through energy, water and waste management, marine and land transport, and improved self-sufficiency. 

The team conducted a sustainability assessment for each of the island communities, developing an emissions profile and island-wide risk assessment. The team of engineers, scientists and community engagement specialists then worked closely with the historic and traditional owners, island communities and key stakeholders to identify and analyse environmental and sustainability opportunities which would suit local conditions. 

Business cases were then developed for projects including rainwater harvesting, marine hydrogen and fuel switching, renewable energy and community microgrids, community market gardens, electric bike schemes, large-scale solar farms, on-island food production, hydrogen production and whole of island microgrids. 

The reports identified the potential for carbon emission reductions, cost savings and job creation if each island community was to successfully implement these projects.

• Magnetic Island: 18 project options would reduce annual carbon emissions by 22,130 tonnes, generate $2.9m in savings annually and create 11.5 jobs

• Masig Island: 18 project options would reduce annual carbon emissions by 1,698 tonnes, generate $200,000 in savings annually and create 16 jobs

• Palm Island: 17 project options would reduce annual carbon emissions by 7,260 tonnes, generate $3.7m in savings annually and create 25 jobs

Kellie said the islands were very different, making them valuable case studies for other islands. They have different climatic characteristics, habitats, population sizes, land uses and proximity and reliance on the mainland.

“The Councils now have access to specific Government funding to take forward priority projects. Funding opportunities for other favoured projects have also been identified, including for private proponents,” Arup Project Manager, Ian Hustwick said.

Queensland Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Meaghan Scanlon earlier said: “While decarbonising islands alone won’t stop climate change threatening the Great Barrier Reef, the community-led decarbonisation business cases will help to provide insight and identify future opportunities to drive a low carbon future and increase resilience of the island communities.”

More information about the Whole of Island community pilot projects is available here.