October 23, 2024
West Coast calls for the Victorian Government to fund Community-Led Climate Adaptation
The Victorian government is running an Inquiry into Climate Resilience, which is looking into the preparedness of communities facing climate disasters across the state. The submissions stage of the Resilience Inquiry process is closed, and the committee undertaking the Inquiry is now conducting hearings.
The fourth of these hearings was in Aireys Inlet at the Aireys Inlet Community Centre on 23 October 2024. At the event, local government, Victorian Marine and Coastal Council, local business, Barwon South West Climate Alliance, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Aireys Inlet and District Association, and others spoke to the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee about local climate resilience. The following West Coast communities were represented at the hearing: Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and Port Fairy.
Before going into the hearing, local community members gathered outside to show support for government funding of community-led climate adaptation. They held up a banner with the words ‘Fund Community Climate Resilience’ on it.
“To prepare for locked-in climate impacts, we need adequate and ongoing funding for community-led adaptation work. This funding will enable communities to fulfil their plans to build resilient communities in a changing climate and keep those most at risk safe,” Vicky Ellmore, Act on Climate Community Organiser, said.
Friends of the Earth Melbourne’s Act on Climate collective has been ensuring community members' voices are heard through this Inquiry, both their concerns and the solutions they want to see enacted. The collective is calling for the committee to recommend a Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund (VCCAF). The fund would distribute money annually to community groups that apply to undertake localised adaptation initiatives.
Over three quarters (83.75%) of submissions to the Inquiry called for increased funding in climate adaptation, with half (49.58%) calling for ongoing funding and over a third (39.58%) calling for Act on Climate’s VCCAF specifically.
In their submissions to the Inquiry into Climate Resilience, people from the West Coast shared their concerns around sea level rise and storm surges, heat, bushfires, flooding, reduced rainfall, and storms. In addition, there is concern about beaches no longer being accessible, especially for older and disabled people, because of coastal erosion, as well as local wildlife being killed due to sea water infiltrating the groundwater in the freshwater lakes. Quotes from local submissions include:
“The region is already facing considerable risks due to climate change and, regardless of changes in emissions, those risks will increase for at least the next two decades. In particular, our region will need to build resilience to the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves and bushfire risk, reduced rainfall, more intense rainfall events, rising sea levels and increased coastal inundation.”
“Our communities are confronting an array of climate related challenges, from intensifying bushfires and floods to searing heatwaves, with scant resilience or preparedness evident across multiple strata. Particularly concerning is the vulnerability of marginalised groups within our midst, who often bear the brunt of these disasters. Adapting to the realities of a changing climate necessitates a concerted effort towards bolstering community resilience and fostering localised adaptation processes. To fortify our communities against the onslaught of climate disasters, we must prioritise the needs of those most susceptible to harm. This includes highlighting the vulnerabilities of elderly residents, low-income families, Indigenous communities, and others who face disproportionate risks. It is imperative that the Government takes a proactive stance in assisting communities to build resilience and navigate local adaptation processes.”
“The imperative to enhance our community's readiness and resilience in the face of climate emergencies cannot be overstated. By championing policies that prioritise the needs of all residents and foster inclusive, locally-driven solutions, we can strive towards a more resilient and sustainable future for the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire.”
In their submissions, the actions and solutions locals along the West Coast are calling for include:
- increase community awareness of the implications of sea level rise and storm surge, and other climate impacts through community education,
- identify and disseminate information on best practice adaptation measures,
- provide consistent, timely, and adequate climate data and coastal hazard assessments,
- a long-term strategic co-investment plan for the removal, relocation, renewal, or maintenance of coastal assets,
- substantive provision of shade and cool places,
- planning system reform that directs development away from flood-prone areas,
- support vulnerable households in making essential home upgrades such as draught proofing, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances,
- maintain and increase urban greening,
- greater collaboration and alignment between levels of government,
- Indigenous rangers reestablishing the practice of traditional fire management on both public and private land,
- a clear and ongoing climate adaptation pathway in government through a senior ministerial position,
- updating of state-wide flood, inundation, and sea-level rise benchmarks and updating of overlays and planning provisions,
- establish a process, to be determined and driven by Traditional Owners, that allows for the loss of cultural values and Country to be addressed, and
- provide a realistic and appropriate level of ongoing funding.
“Communities know what climate adaptation plans and projects are most needed and relevant for them, but they are not getting the support they urgently need to implement them. They are looking to the state government for leadership and assistance to adapt to climate impacts,” said Ms Ellmore.
“While the Vic Government has undertaken adaptation planning work, this has not been sufficiently acted on and has not been backed up with ongoing funding to prepare communities for the climate impacts forecast to affect Victoria. Every step we take to help communities adapt to now unavoidable climate impacts secures a safer future and builds resilience, protecting people and Country.”
IMAGE: Community photo taken outside the Aireys Inlet Resilience Inquiry hearing with Act on Climate’s Fund Community Climate Resilience banner
MORE INFORMATION ON AoC’s VCCAF: https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/budget_2025-26_proposals_climate_adaptation
CONTACT:
Vicky Ellmore, Community Organiser, Act on Climate collective, Friends of the Earth Melbourne
[email protected]
0424 687 809
Join the call for A Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria by adding your name to our petition
