In a regional first, Townsville Enterprise has launched an ESG Toolkit to help North Queensland businesses develop strategies for Net Zero and improved sustainability.
The ESG Toolkit, funded by the Queensland Government, is a practical guide designed for businesses of all sizes and industries to manage their carbon footprint and embrace sustainability. Tailored specifically for Townsville North Queensland, it provides a roadmap for navigating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors to enhance long-term value, reduce costs, attract talent, and foster customer loyalty.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the toolkit will serve as a guiding resource for businesses looking to future-proof their operations.
“Embracing best practice ESG and sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic imperative for all businesses. Globally and locally, we’re seeing increasing regulation and reporting requirements in this space, and it’s critical that our businesses are ahead of the curve and ready to respond,” Ms. Brumme-Smith said.
“With the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed rainforests on our doorstep, our region has long been a leader in demonstrating how industry can work in harmony with the natural environment. We are home to some of the biggest businesses pioneering world-first sustainability initiatives, including the first solar-powered zinc refinery, an eco-certified tourism destination, and a port on the pathway to being climate positive by 2050.”
“This toolkit provides businesses with the resources, step-by-step guidance, and real-world local case studies to help them become ESG-ready. By doing so, they gain a competitive advantage in tendering for work and reinforce their commitment to being responsible corporate citizens—regardless of their size, turnover, or industry.”
The toolkit is now available for download, allowing businesses to complete the step-by-step guide and submit an ESG strategy for endorsement and promotion by Townsville Enterprise. Training on the toolkit will also be available for all businesses at the Townsville Enterprise Green Energy Forum on 25 March 2025.
Local business owner Luke Guazzo of Coffee Presto welcomed the toolkit as a valuable resource to build on existing sustainability efforts.
“Coffee Presto has always prioritised sustainability, integrating eco-friendly initiatives across our operations,” Luke Guazzo said.
“This toolkit is a game-changer for North Queensland businesses. ESG can be a complex landscape, but this resource breaks it down into clear, actionable steps while also giving our local businesses a competitive edge.”
“There’s always more to learn and improve upon in our ESG journey, and we look forward to using this toolkit to take our sustainability efforts from good to great.”
