The Andrews Labor Government is empowering Victorian communities across the state to prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change with the development of six new community-led action plans.

The Regional Adaptation Strategies provide practical ways for communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change through on-ground action.

Communities across six regions − Barwon South West, Gippsland, Grampians, Hume, Loddon Mallee and Port Phillip – have developed and will lead the implementation of the five-year strategies.

The strategies include preparing for and recovering from emergencies, caring for the natural environment, improving health and wellbeing, strengthening the economy and workforce, improving resilience of our built environment, and embracing renewable energy.

As part of the implementation of the strategies, $1.5 million will be invested in 54 on-the-ground community-led projects that will commence this financial year to help local communities prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Projects include a citizen science biodiversity monitoring program in Barwon South West, helping low-income households in Bass Coast and South Gippsland to reduce their energy costs and more support to empower Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner Groups to identify climate adaptation actions.

The development of the strategies was funded by the Labor Government’s $9.32 million Supporting our Regions to Adapt program through the Sustainability Fund.

It builds on other Government climate change investments, including a $1.6 billion clean energy package, $100 million towards zero emissions vehicles and $92 million for land restoration and carbon farming to help build the state’s resistance to climate change.

To view the strategies, please visit climatechange.vic.gov.au/supporting-local-action-on-climate-change.

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

“Our climate is changing, and the effects are being felt across the state – that’s why we’re supporting communities to act now and adapt to the impacts of climate change.”

“This is another example of how we’re delivering real action on climate change by supporting communities to deliver their local projects and build thriving and sustainable futures.”