80% of Victorians told the Climate Resilience Inquiry we need more funding for adaptation. But, the government seems to have decided they already allocate enough.

Vic Gov released their response to the Inquiry report in early Feb 2026. The report included multiple recommendations for more funding; but the Government replied that they are already funding adaptation, and if groups want more they should ask for it in the annual state budget.  

This is at odds with the Inquiry’s evidence, which showed significant financing gaps. And Victorians were loud in calling them out.

The Gov’s response to this Inquiry missed an opportunity to back Victorians’ appeal for funding that would safeguard the state’s economic future and save immense costs due to climate impacts down the line. Most importantly, action and funding now would save Victorian lives.

Tell the Treasurer don't dismiss Victorians’ appeal for more funding to prepare for climate impacts and to adequately fund adaptation in this year’s Vic state budget through a Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund.

IMPORTANT!: Add to our pre-filled email template using the asks and additional points below:

Ask the Treasurer - add one or more asks to your email:

• Will more proactive investments in preparing for climate impacts be a feature of this year’s budget? In the 2025/26 State Budget, only 21.1 million was invested in preparing for climate impacts, while 243.2 million was invested in responding to climate impacts.
• Will the shift to more investment come from an increased contribution from the Victoria Government in the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF)? Act on Climate has been calling on the Government to at least match the Federal Government’s DRF contribution and make this a feature of the budget every year to ensure Victorian communities are as prepared as possible.
• In its response to the Inquiry, the Government also acknowledges that “understanding funding for resilience activities can be challenging and would be assisted by clear attribution”. Will the amount spent on climate adaptation be clearly distinguished in this year’s budget, including a clear distinction between funds going toward preparing for climate impacts and funds going towards response and rebuilding due to climate impacts? 

Additional points to add to your email:

• Councils and community organisations clearly noted in their submissions that current funding is not adequate, with the costs of adapting cities and infrastructure escalating. The City of Melbourne shared in its submission that the average annual damages to its assets from climate hazards are projected to increase by 1,200% in the next 75 years.
• The Committee notes in the Resilience Inquiry report that “funding shortfalls represent a critical barrier to implementing climate resilience initiatives”, adding that “non‑recurrent funding for resilience projects restricts long‑term capacity building and strategic outcomes”.
• The climate disaster is already costing Victoria more than $2.7 billion annually. Heatwaves alone cost the Victorian economy $87 million each year. This could grow to $179 million by 2030 (Infrastructure Victoria). Whereas resilience funding could provide returns of $8.10 for every $1 invested by 2050 (Insurance Council of Australia).

If you get a response from the Treasurer - please forward it to us!

If you haven't already, please add your name to our petition calling for a Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria.