Central Queensland community group recognised for climate action leadership

Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA) has been awarded the Climate Scorecard’s Australian 2024 Climate Leader Award for its outstanding commitment to climate action and environmental advocacy.

Climate Scorecard, an international organisation dedicated to identifying and promoting actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in over 20 of the world’s largest emitting countries, has been recognising climate leaders since 2015. The Climate Leader Award is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to environmental conservation, sustainability innovation, and community-driven climate action.

Since its establishment in 2022, EnvA has been at the forefront of numerous environmental initiatives. These include advocacy efforts at both state and federal government levels to limit the expansion of coal and gas projects and to ensure that new and expanding fossil fuel developments are properly assessed for their environmental impact on essential wildlife habitats and regional communities.

Climate Scorecard’s country Manager for Australia, Robyn Gulliver highlighted the significance of EnvA’s work:

“We nominated EnvA for the 2024 Climate Leader’s Award because of their dedication to protecting natural resources, opposing new coal and gas projects, preserving habitat for endangered species and educating the public on environmental issues.

“While this award typically recognises individuals, we made an exception this year to emphasise the importance of collective action and volunteer commitment—especially in a region historically reliant on fossil fuels.

“What makes EnvA’s approach particularly powerful is its connection to the local community and its ability to balance environmental protection with community interests. Despite operating with minimal resources, their volunteer-driven model has achieved remarkable outcomes, setting an inspiring example for other regions facing similar challenges.”

EnvA Coordinator, Dr Coral Rowston expressed gratitude for the recognition:

“We are deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award.  Looking at the award winners from the other 14 countries, we are in incredible company, and each recipient is truly deserving.

“As a small, volunteer-led organisation with very limited resources, we do our best to make a meaningful impact in protecting our environment and our local community.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, our volunteers, and the broader community who have come together to drive real change. It reinforces our commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all.”

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