$23M for communities to reduce greenhouse emissions a welcome move
ATA welcomes funding for community action on climate change.
The Alternative Technology Association (ATA), Australia’s largest not-for-profit sustainable living organisation, welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement of $23M in funding for community climate change projects.
Premier Brumby today announced the Climate Communities initiative to promote voluntary action on climate change. $10M will be new funding.
The community partnership grants will be awarded twice yearly in three categories: Community Abatement, Community Resilience and Community Innovation.
Ian Porter, Chief Executive Officer of the ATA, says the funding is welcome recognition of the huge contribution individuals and communities make toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Initiatives like this could lay the foundation for Victoria to lead Australia in community responses to climate challenge.”
Mr Porter says building resilience, changing capacity and information sharing in communities is central to a future where Australia can respond to climate change.
“This approach is in line with recommendations we made to the Victorian Government’s Climate Change Green Paper. ATA reflects the experiences of our 5000 members, Australia wide, who are all creating more sustainable homes and communities by reducing their carbon emissions, saving water and building low impact houses.”
“ATA members are living proof that as individuals and communities we can make a difference to the world we live in.”
Mr Porter says governments are recognising that the actions people take in their own home and community can have a significant impact on the nation’s ability to reduce carbon emissions.
“The actions and decisions of consumers puts pressure on industry to change, and community initiatives, like bulk-buy solar schemes, community wind farms and the purchase of GreenPower should inspire governments to strengthen carbon targets in line with the reductions communities achieve and demand.”
The Victorian Government’s commitment of funds to support voluntary action on climate change is a positive and progressive step says Mr Porter.
“We hope that the funding plants the seed for increasingly diverse, innovative and effective actions in Victoria towards a safe climate future.”
For more information see:Climate Communities Brochure.
