A Barwon South West climate group has received grant funding for climate mitigation and adaptation across the region.
Barwon South West Climate Alliance (BSWCA) was awarded $245,200 through round three of the National Partnership Agreement State and Regional Priority Projects Grants Program.
President Peter Mercouriou said the funding would help BSWCA deliver its Resilient Community Assets Project, focusing on community assets owned, managed or operated by councils.
“This project will improve the understanding of risks that community assets may face from climate change and extreme weather events,” he said.
“This is an exciting step for the alliance, and we’re delighted to have been awarded this funding to help Barwon South West communities in this way.
“This funding supports the first of many Alliance projects, which will help us reach our goal of a net zero emissions and climate resilient Barwon South West.”
BSWCA executive officer Sue Phillips said the project would run for 18 months and was expected to commence this financial year.
She also said it would re-confirm climate modelling while undertaking a high-level vulnerability assessment.
“Up to six selected assets and hazards from councils will then undergo deeper analysis to ready these projects for works,” she said.
“Supported by Geographic Information System tools, which enable information to be embedded in council’s systems, asset risk will be prioritised.
“The vulnerability assessment will help identify asset interventions… so that asset resilience to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather is better understood.”
BSWCA will deliver the project in partnership with the Borough of Queenscliffe, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire, Warrnambool City Council and the City of Greater Geelong.
