Surf Coast Shire Council is offering individuals and organisations a leg up in their efforts to address the climate emergency.
The Shire’s Climate Emergency Grants are now open for expressions of interest from those looking to develop climate action projects.
The grants program is now in its fourth year, with $20,000 available for project ideas in $5000 or $10,000 sums.
Last year’s grants helped enable the School for Climate, a collaboration between Common Ground Project and Lorne P-12 College that has seen all the school’s students learn about regenerative and sustainable farming practices.
Common Ground’s Lachlan Mackenzie said the project wouldn’t have been possible without the grant.
“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”, Mr Mackenzie said.
Surf Coast Shire councillor Libby Stapleton said the grants were a way for the council to help the community take advantage of opportunities to engage in climate action.
“Our community is passionate about taking climate action, and we know small projects can help deliver big changes over time,” Cr Stapleton said.
“After the initial expression of interest process, the projects are then opened to community voting to determine who receives the grants.”
While project ideas can take many forms, they must reduce emissions, build resilience to our changing climate and mobilise the community to act.
Expressions of interest are open until Sunday, May 11, with community voting taking place between Monday, May 26 and Wednesday, June 4. Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/cegrants for more information.
