Net zero emissions by 2030

We are committed to demonstrating climate action leadership. That’s why we’ve set a target of net zero emissions by 2030 for our departmental operations.

We are minimising our own carbon footprint and developing detailed knowledge on how carbon is captured and stored across 12.9 million hectares of national park estate to facilitate carbon sequestration and storage.

The department has already committed to achieving carbon neutrality in our national parks as part of Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy. Now we are extending that commitment to the whole department’s operations and aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.

    Solar installations

    The installation of solar power on our buildings has increased 10-fold since 2018.

    Two of our largest installations are at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, and the Queensland Herbarium at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. As well as these large, grid-connected systems, remote-area solar power systems in ranger stations across the state are reducing emissions from diesel generators.

    In addition, over 530 kilowatts of solar panels have been installed at National Park Ranger Bases, including K’gari, Diamantina, Welford, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, New Laura, Boodjamulla National Park, Atambaya (Heathlands) Ranger base on Apudthama National Park and Blackdown Tablelands.

    Energy audits of park bases and offices continue with additional solar power systems being regularly installed.

    Department’s total photovoltaic (PV) solar power (kW)
    Date installed Total PV solar power (kW)
    2017–18 80.2
    2018–19 120.1
    2019–20 148.6
    2020–21 508.0
    2021–22 964.2
    2022–23 1078.2
    Map of photovoltaic systems across QueenslandOpen larger image

    Map of Queensland showing locations and sizes (kW) of the department’s PV systems (unnumbered sites are below 1kW)

    Renewable electricity

    As well as installing our own solar panels, 100% of the electricity purchased and used by the department is from renewable sources. This has had a significant impact on reducing our operational emissions.

    Vehicle fleet

    As part of Queensland’s new Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy (Strategy) we are progressively upgrading our leased vehicle fleet to move towards zero emission options as suitable vehicles become available.

    We have transitioned 93% of our small and medium sized leased vehicles to electric or electric/hybrid   models. This includes eight full electric vehicles.

    In accordance with the Strategy, all small/medium sized leased vehicles will be transitioned to electric variants by the end of 2026.

    In the rugged environment of our national parks, safety and fire-capability are critical. We are proactively working with other departments and vehicle manufacturers to identify suitable zero emissions vehicles to replace larger operational Utes and 4x4s.

    Carbon stores and offsets

    Photo looking up to tall white tree trunks

    K’gari (Fraser Island), Great Sandy National Park

    Our national parks and other land holdings are already absorbing significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and represent a massive carbon store. We will continue to secure these carbon stores for the long term. At the same time, we will explore opportunities to increase our carbon sequestration to offset any remaining emissions.

    Climate risk

    In addition to the actions we are taking to mitigate our carbon emissions, we are incorporating climate change impacts in our department’s risk management processes.

    Queensland already experiences climate extremes such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and bushfires. Climate change is likely to exacerbate the frequency and/or severity of these events and can be an amplifier of these and other hazards.

    The Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy (PDF, 2MB) guides Queensland’s response to climate risks and we are leading by example through actions that include:

    • the development of our Climate Risk Management Strategic Framework
    • analysis of the department’s climate risk maturity
    • identifying climate risks across the department.

    Further climate information can be found at Queensland Climate Action Plan.