Pressure mounts on Redland to establish emissions target by 2050

Redland is facing scrutiny as the only major South East Queensland council without a net zero emissions policy, prompting petitions demanding urgent action and clear commitments.

Cairns, Townsville, Whitsunday, Bundaberg, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Moreton, Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane councils all have net zero emission policies.

Redland City Council faces scrutiny as the only major local government in South East Queensland without a defined policy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

While many councils in South East Queensland have pledged to achieve net zero emissions through renewable energy initiatives, sustainable infrastructure, and emissions reduction programs, Redland City has yet to commit to a similar framework.

To date, Redland only has a 75 per cent reduction policy for emissions by 2050, a policy implemented in 2010.

The council’s inaction has sparked public criticism, culminating in petitions signed by 191 residents demanding urgent policy action.

The petitions, spearheaded by community advocate and former Greens candidate Cal Sorensen-Karklis, call for the council to implement a firm emissions reduction target, aligning with neighbouring councils such as Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.

Those councils have committed to net zero targets in their corporate planning, leaving Redland as an outlier.

Somerset Regional Council, which is west of Brisbane is not listed as having a net zero emissions target by 2050.

Mr Sorensen-Karklis expressed concerns over Redland’s lack of a clear road map toward carbon neutrality, despite existing environmental policies on waste management and coastal resilience.

Petitioner Cal Sorensen-Karklis wants Redland City Council to instate a net zero emissions by 2050 policy like other major councils.

“Every other major council in our region has recognised the need to commit to net zero by 2050, and yet Redland continues to drag its feet,” Mr Sorensen-Karklis said.

“We need clear action and leadership to ensure a sustainable future for our city.

“Considering that Redland City Council has only implemented measures for net zero waste, it is still concerning that the council is the only major one in southeast Queensland without a set policy target of net zero emissions by 2050,” he said.

The petition will be formally tabled at the next council meeting this month by Cr Peter Mitchell.

Mr Sorensen-Karklis said the petition had received backing from councillor Shane Rendalls.

Redland city Council failed to respond to questions about why it had no net zero emissions policy.

Council’s current planning includes measures to address coastal erosion and extreme weather events but lacks an explicit carbon reduction strategy.

Environmental advocates have argued that the council’s delay could have long-term consequences for the region’s sustainability and economic competitiveness.

In response to inquiries about the petition, a council spokesperson confirmed that it would be acknowledged and recorded in the official minutes.

However, the decision to adopt or act on the proposal remains at the discretion of the council.

Historically, petitions presented to the council have rarely resulted in immediate policy changes, with many being noted without further action.

Mr Sorensen-Karklis said environmental groups and community leaders had stressed that the absence of a concrete plan put Redland at risk of falling behind in regional sustainability efforts.

The upcoming council meeting will determine whether the petition leads to further discussions or remains another unresolved call for climate action.

Originally published as Pressure mounts on Redland to establish emissions target by 2050