The Andrews Labor Government 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 today launched the $1 million Community Climate Change Adaptation (3CA) Grants program, which will support communities to adjust, build resilience and thrive in the face of a changing climate.

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.

As the Labor Government continues to lead the nation in climate change preparation, this latest funding program will generate and share learning on good practice approaches to community adaptation.

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 application period closes March 31. To apply, visit: climatechange.vic.gov.au/3CAgrants.

The grants are being delivered under the Labor Government’s Supporting our Regions to Adapt program, which is funded by the Sustainability Fund. The Sustainability Fund was created in 2005 to help foster community action or innovation in relation to the adaptation to climate change in Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“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.”

“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.”