If any one topic of conversation is paramount for Rockhampton residents, it's got to be the weather, or more specifically, climate change and what's happening to our once-predictable wet seasons.

CQUniversity Australia is partnering with Rockhampton Regional Development Limited in ClimatePrimerCQ, a project reviewing climate, and advancing models to give business and individuals an idea of what's in store. The University is contributing funds, and committing research expertise to the project...
Dr. Susan Kinnear

Dr. Susan Kinnear, with the University's Centre for Environmental Management,  Institute  for Resource Industries and Sustainability explained,  "... the initial stages involve review of climate patterns historically, and what predictions can be made for conditions over the next couple of decades, specifically for the Rockhampton Region".

The focus is on businesses principally, because of the partnership with the chief Regional Development body, aiming to discover what businesses know and understand about climate change, and how prepared they are for the challenges and opportunities that may arise. The data will be utilised by Rockhampton Regional Development to formulate ways to support business into the future, and to help owners and operators make the most of the information available.

Dr. Kinnear said that, while emissions trading is at the forefront of climate change discussion, most Rockhampton region business won't be directly involved at that level, however, she says, "...everybody is involved because of the supply chain, so that no matter the individual business or industry, we will all be affected by climate change."

How will businesses contribute to the project? Dr. Kinnear said the aim is to have them participate in an online survey throughout October, hosted on Rockhampton Regional Development's website. The questionnaire will take around fifteen minutes to complete, and respondents will be asked about current understanding of the topic, how climate change may now be affecting the business, what effects are expected, and the types of actions, processes and programs that might best assist the business into the future.

Dr. Kinnear said the Project's outcomes will feed into regional planning, so that the challenges can be reduced, and the benefits maximised.  Local business owners are invited to participate, and should contact Dr. Kinnear by email at s.kinnear@cqu.edu.au