Climate Emergency Grants available for local projects

APPLICATIONS have opened for this year’s Surf Coast Shire council’s Climate Emergency Grants.

Heading into its third year, the grants support community projects in the local area that aim to reduce emissions, build climate change resilience or mobilise the community to act.

The recipients of the council’s funding will be decided by the community as they vote for their favourite project.

Applicants will have the opportunity to present their projects to their peers at the Pitch Fest event on June 5.

“We are supporting causes that matter. People vote for what resonates with them, ensuring the winning projects will have the most impact,” councillor Rose Hodge said.

“We encourage people who are passionate about taking climate action and making a positive impact in their community to apply.”

Initiatives must enact goal five of the council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan to ’empower community-led responses to the climate emergency’.

Grants of either $5,000 or $10,000 are available for groups and individuals, with a total pool of $20,000.

Last year, the Aireys Inlet community garden received $5,000 as part of the program.

The grant was awarded in support of the garden’s mission to go off-grid.

President Liz Wood said they want to become cleaner and greener.

“With the grant, two members who are electrical engineers, purchased solar panels and a battery that’s able to be monitored remotely.

“We purchased an electrical mower and line trimmer, and can now host workshops at the garden, including food preserving and passata making using our own power from the panels.”

“A small investment from the council has such a multiplying effect. It’s changed so many things for the better. We aspire to be a site where other community groups and gardens can come and see what we’ve been able to achieve.”

Applications are open now until May 12 with voting taking place online between May 22 and 29 online, or in-person on June 5 at the Pitch Fest event.