Climate forum to boost community preparedness on Surf Coast

A new community forum focused on climate risks and emergency preparedness will be held on the Surf Coast after receiving funding through the Surf Coast Shire’s Climate Emergency Grants Program.

Geelong Sustainability and the Surf Coast Environment Group have secured a $10,000 council grant to deliver the free Community Climate Risk Forum, which will bring together residents, businesses, emergency services and community groups.

The forum will examine local climate-related risks including coastal flooding, bushfires, extreme heat and storms, while connecting attendees with practical information and resources to improve community resilience.

Geelong Sustainability co-chief executive Karina Donkers said the forum would help people better understand the impacts climate change is already having across the region.

“Climate change is no longer a future challenge,” she said.

“Communities across our region are already experiencing the impacts through increasing extreme weather events, environmental changes and growing uncertainty about what lies ahead.

“We know there is a strong appetite from the community to better understand these risks, have meaningful conversations and be part of shaping solutions.”

Surf Coast Environment Group founder Graeme Stockton said the event would feature expert speakers, information stalls and facilitated discussions.

“Climate resilience is not something that can be achieved by one organisation or one sector alone, it requires collaboration, local knowledge and a community that feels empowered to participate,” he said.

The Climate Emergency Grants Program distributed $20,000 this year to support community-led climate action projects.

In addition to the forum, $5,000 grants were awarded to the Surfrider Foundation-supported Surf Coast BioBlitz and the Common Ground Project.

The Surf Coast BioBlitz will bring together residents, scientists, volunteers and Traditional Owners for a citizen science survey of climate-vulnerable grassland ecosystems, with findings expected to support future restoration work.

The Common Ground Project will use its funding to deliver climate and regenerative education programs for up to 250 students from Surf Coast schools, focusing on practical climate action and sustainable food systems.

Councillor Leon Walker said the grants were designed to support community-led responses to climate change.

“Climate emergency is here and now, and we need to continue building community-wide response,” he said.