Small projects will be able to have a big impact on climate change thanks to $10 million made available through the Brumby Labor Government’s $23 million Climate Communities Program.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said the Brumby Labor Government was committed to assisting grass roots community efforts meet the challenges of climate change.
“The $10 million for the Climate Communities program will help bring about real and positive outcomes that will help ensure Victoria has a sustainable future,” Ms Broad said.
“Climate change is one of the most serious issues facing us all which is why it is important all sections of the community are empowered to meet the climate change challenges we will face.
“This program is designed specifically to assist climate change projects undertaken by community groups in Victoria. It recognises the important contribution these groups have as well as the role Government must play in partnership with them.
“I encourage community groups to work with local networks – including councils, business, schools and service groups – to identify practical sustainable local projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Ms Broad said projects may include retrofitting a community hall to reduce energy use, establishing a shared transport scheme such as a bike hire cooperative or introducing an energy cooperative to trial a new clean technology.
The Climate Communities Grants program will consider new projects that meet one or more of the key objectives:
- Reduce emissions;
- Build community resilience by adaptation to climate change; and
- Trial and/or promote new processes or technologies to help tackle climate change.
The Climate Communities Grants Program will be allocated $6 million to fund projects for communities with grants of up to $50,000. The remaining $4 million will be used to provide expert advice, research and information through 9 Climate Communities facilitators who will be located across Victoria and to provide state-
wide education and support programs.
Ms Broad also congratulated Mildura Rural City Council for its success in the Sustainability Fund grants round announced by the Premier on 23 April.
The project will provide sustainability advice and home energy improvements to help 50 elderly residents to reduce waste and save energy and water at home.
This fourth round of the Sustainability Fund grants total $4.2 million across Victoria and support a diverse range of projects, such as aged care facilities powered with renewable energy, a trial of energy efficient down lights in 250 homes, greener home based businesses and a web resource to support sustainable building in bushfire affected areas
Ms Broad said the Climate Communities program will give new impetus to what has been achieved by the Sustainability Fund, with the current Sustainability Fund grants round to become part of Climate Communities.
Ms Broad encouraged residents and community groups who want to do their part and are interested in apply for a Climate Communities grant to visit the new website - www.climatecommunities.vic.gov.au/grants.