Expression of interests open for Climate Emergency grants

THE Surf Coast Shire has opened an expressions of interest period for its Climate Emergency Grants.

Open to individuals and community groups, the grant aims to develop projects tackle the climate emergency.

A total of $20,000 is available in the round, broken into $5,000 or $10,000 grants and are awarded based on the highest number of votes receives in a community voter process.

Cr Libby Stapleton said the grants are a chance for council to support the community in delivering opportunities.

“Our community is passionate about taking climate action and we know small projects can help deliver big changes over time,” she said.

“The unique thing about these grants is they are voted by the community.

“After the initial expression of interest process, the projects are then opened to community voting to determine who receives the grants.”

There are a range of project ideas that can be submitted and they can be creative and take different forms, however they must:

Reduce emissions.

Build resilience to the changing climate.

Mobilise the community to act.

The Common Ground project and Lorne P-12 College received a grant in 2024 for their joint collaboration, with students from the college learning more about regenerative farming.

Common Ground Project’s Lachlan Mackenzie said without the grant, the program would not have been possible.

“This program has not only introduced the school children to regenerative farming but we have found previously disengaged kids are engaged again and loving learning about farming.

“The grant allowed a crazy idea to become a reality and has allowed all the students at the Lorne P-12 College to learn about regenerative farming.”

Expressions of interest for the grant round is open until May 11 and voting will start from May 26 until June 5.

For more information and to apply, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au