Grants to improve response to climate change

THE state government says it is empowering regional Victorians to prepare for and adapt to the real impacts of climate change through a new community grants program.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio last week launched the $1 million Community Climate Change Adaptation (3CA) Grants program.

Grants of between $25,000 and $75,000 will be available for practical, locally driven projects that are helping their communities adapt to climate change.

Funding is available for two project categories:
• Projects that build the adaptive capacity for communities and stakeholders to respond or adapt to climate change impacts in their region

• Projects that deliver tangible actions that help our communities adapt to climate change impacts they are already facing.

Eligible projects must either be led by, or implemented in partnership with, a local council, Traditional Owner corporation, community group or not-for-profit organisation.

The grants are being delivered under the state government’s Supporting our Regions to Adapt program.

This program is funded by the Sustainability Fund, created in 2005 to help foster community action or innovation in relation to adapting to climate change in Victoria.

“All our regions have their own unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to climate change, which is why we need to support good ideas at a local level to build resilient communities in the face of a changing climate,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“The Community Climate Change Adaptation Grants program will help get new and innovative ideas off the ground, while creating new relationships between communities, local governments and regional stakeholders.

“This is another example of how we’re delivering real action on climate change in regional Victoria by investing in smart, local projects that will help communities build thriving, sustainable futures.”

The application period closes March 31. To apply, head to climatechange.vic.gov.au/3CAgrants.