Sustainable ideas abound at Cairns Ecofiesta

Hear from the nation’s most beloved science commentator, Dr Karl, be at the official release of Salt and Steel’s new single, celebrate Queensland’s’ natural wonders, and wander through market stalls offering sustainable living solutions at Cairns Ecofiesta.

Queensland's premier sustainability festival returns to Munro Martin Parklands (MMP) on Sunday 2 June from 10am to 6pm. Entry to the event is free.

Running since 2005, Cairns Ecofiesta highlights the region's commitment to environmental conservation, community and climate action.

Cairns Mayor said the event was an opportunity for everyone to learn about sustainable living and how better to look after the environment.

“Ecofiesta is a brilliant event that combines a festival atmosphere with live music, entertainment and family activities, with information about ways we can all help preserve our environment,” Cr Eden said.

“I know for some people, being environmentally friendly and adopting sustainable behaviours can seem overwhelming and sometimes it’s hard to know just where to start.

“Ecofiesta makes it easier – there’s market and information stalls, we will have subject matter experts on hand, and lots of ideas on sustainable living.”

Set against the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, Cairns Ecofiesta celebrates Queensland Day as part of the 2024 Queensland Government’s Queensland Day celebrations.

Attendees can enjoy an all-Queensland music line up, explore an array of local businesses and food offerings, learn about local species and celebrate Queensland’s rich cultural heritage with Indigenous dance by Minjil Arts.

Getting to the event will be easier, with Kinetic to run a free hourly bus service from Palm Cove to Munro Martin Park (MMP) and also Gordonvale to MMP from 10am to 5pm. See www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ecofiesta for more details.

The 2024 Ecofiesta will host a Reef Resilience Showcase featuring a panel, including Australia's favourite scientist Dr Karl (Kruszelnicki) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority chief scientist Dr Roger Beeden who will discuss climate change and the Great Barrier Reef.

Attendees can also hear first-hand how First Nations leaders care for Country, explore  ‘Electric Street’ of electric vehicles and  the Reef Resilience Expo of local leaders and community organisations.

There will also be a Q&A session with Australian director and producer Damon Gameau, who produced documentaries That Sugar Film, 2040 and Regenerating Australia.

In a treat for music fans, Queensland based rock duo Salt and Steel will debut their upcoming new single at Ecofiesta prior to its official release.

The band – comprised of Briony Edgar and Elle Steele – have opened for the likes of Wolfmother, The SuperJesus and You Am I, Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon) and The Beautiful Girls.

Other music acts appearing at Ecofiesta include El Moth, Tessa Devine, John Buttigieg and Leon Tussie.

Learn more about 2024 Ecofiesta at Council’s website.

Road closure: Council advises that the northern side of Florence St, between Sheridan and Grafton streets (next to MMP), will be closed from 6am to 6pm.

The Cairns Ecofiesta 2024 is sponsored by the Queensland Government as part of QLD Day celebrations.

The Reef Resilience Showcase is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and Great Barrier Reef Foundation.