For this year’s Climate Country Leader Award, I am taking the deliberate step of nominating a group rather than an individual: Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA). While the award traditionally recognizes individual contributions, I believe it is crucial to acknowledge that successful climate advocacy in Australia fundamentally depends on collective action and volunteer commitment, particularly in regions dominated by fossil fuel interests.

Founded in 2022, EnvA demonstrates a model of climate advocacy that is deeply rooted in sharing volunteer labor across a team and undertaking deep local community engagement. Unlike many larger environmental organizations, EnvA is fully run by volunteers on a shoestring budget. It is managed by a core team of five dedicated community members coordinating dozens of local volunteers. Their work demonstrates how grassroots organizing can effectively challenge entrenched fossil fuel interests, even in regions historically dependent on coal and gas extraction.

EnvA’s achievements are remarkable, given the challenging context of Central Queensland, where fossil fuel industries have traditionally held significant economic and political influence. They are known for their groundbreaking legal actions, supported by Environmental Justice Australia, to hold authorities accountable for environmental protection. As a result of their actions, they helped achieve the first-ever refusal of a coal mine by both the Queensland and Australian governments in 2023 while also influencing the National Australia Bank’s decision not to renew a billion-dollar loan for Whitehaven’s Winchester South Coal Mine in Central Queensland. In 2024, they continued this challenging and resource-intensive work. Along with advocating for the protection of Central Queensland’s unique biodiversity values, they are contesting coal mine expansions in the local area and new coal seam gas mining projects. Their successes and efforts were achieved through strategic community engagement, education, and legal action, supported by Environmental Justice Australia and several other environmental and climate groups around the country and state.

The significance of EnvA’s work is amplified by the context of Central Queensland’s economic landscape. Since 2015, the region has seen numerous approvals for new coal mines and gas wells, reflecting its dependence on fossil fuel industries. While the Queensland Government has initiated investment in regional economic futures funds to support community transition, such changes will only succeed with strong local support and advocacy – precisely what EnvA provides.

Research shows that local advocacy is particularly effective because it leverages community trust and social identity. People are more likely to be influenced by those they perceive as part of their in-group. This psychological aspect makes local climate advocates particularly effective in driving change within their communities. Local advocates can also effectively communicate the importance of climate action in a way that resonates with the community’s values and experiences. In addition, local activists understand the specific environmental and economic challenges their communities face. This allows them to propose solutions that are both practical and culturally relevant. When community members lead climate action, it fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment. This can lead to more sustained and impactful environmental initiatives.  Their work is especially valuable because climate advocacy groups are rare in remote areas dependent on fossil fuels, making their presence in Central Queensland particularly significant.

EnvA will play an increasingly crucial role in Australia’s transition to a zero-emissions economy. By building local support for clean energy alternatives and demonstrating the possibility of a just transition, they are helping to challenge the fossil fuel industry’s dominance in Australian society. Their volunteer-driven, community-based advocacy model provides a template for other regions facing similar challenges.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Australia Country Manager Robyn Gulliver.