A Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into community action on climate change is now underway.

The Environment & Planning Committee is investigating the full range of community efforts to tackle the climate crisis to gain insights into the ways in which the government can support them.

The inquiry will have no trouble finding examples of leadership in Victoria. Communities have shown incredible resolve, ingenuity, and creativity for well over a decade.

In all corners of the state one can see inspiring examples of local activism: info nights, market stalls, radio shows, podcasts, community energy projects, citizen science, tree planting, art projects, community gardens, candidates' forums, policy work, and advocacy. 

Here are seven ways the Victorian government (and opposition) can supercharge the community response... 

When it comes to renewable energy, community groups like Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) are out in front, setting their own ambitious target to hit 100% renewable energy by 2022.  With National Volunteer week finishing up last week, Y2R celebrates the work of volunteer led groups like TRY pushing the boundaries in the shift to renewable energy.

Just days after the Victorian Liberal party’s Shadow Minister Against Renewables David Southwick made a misguided pledge to axe the VRET, Victorian communities are celebrating the real leaders in renewable energy at Hepburn Wind’s community wind farm.

South Australia is among a group of global leaders with a high proportion of renewable energy generation. Solar homes and wind farms will soon provide 50 percent of the state’s electricity needs.