December 4, 2024

North East Vic 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 eighth and last of these hearings was at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC) in Wangaratta on 4 December 2024. At the event, local governments from Wangaratta and Moira Shire, local businesses and SES, Benalla Sustainable Future Group, Goulburn Broken CMA, North East Region Sustainability Alliance, and others spoke to the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee about local climate resilience.

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 North East Victoria shared their concerns around floods, fire, extreme temperatures, higher rates of UV exposure, landslides, pressure on the healthcare sector, and food security. 

Changes in rainfall patterns along with increased temperatures and fewer frosts significantly impacting the agricultural sector is also a concern. In addition, there is concern about home and business insurance becoming prohibitive or simply unobtainable and significant losses in property value due to increasing climate change impacts. Another local concern mentioned is the ski industry being at risk of collapse due to climate change, with the snow season potentially reduced to half due to increased temperatures.

Quotes from local submissions include:

“Governments must … consult, seek feedback, work respectfully with the members of communities who will be most impacted, and designing and implementing tailored flexible solutions, with long term goals and no ‘quick fixes’, including investing money and resources into relocating extremely vulnerable populations who have been impacted and will continue to be irreversibly impacted, who could not afford to do this on their own.”

“Floodplains such as the Broken River will be subject to more severe flood impacts, with major direct consequences for communities such as Benalla. An indirect but severe consequence is the likelihood that home and business insurance will become prohibitive or simply unobtainable for property located within a designated flood area, even if parts of such localities are themselves flood-free. Associated with this impact is the strong likelihood of significant losses in property value. Events in Lismore NSW after the devastating floods of 2022 bear stark witness to this impact on individuals and the local community.”

“Abundant evidence indicates that excessive heat is a silent but deadly killer, exacerbated by age and socioeconomic status. Benalla’s relatively aged and poorer standard housing stock coupled with few places to retreat to in extreme heat means that we are particularly exposed to likely impacts from this aspect of climate change. In terms of thermal comfort for this region: - 

• 46% reported that their house was too hot last summer (state average 44%) 
• 36% reported their house being too cold (state average 39%); 
• 20% had to leave their house due to extreme heat or cold (state average 18%)”

“A destabilised climate is going to put pressure on our health care sector and we should be supported to do the easy things, such as protecting our skin from UV exposure, in order to make sure that it is not overwhelmed treating future cancers that are easily prevented today. An increasing number of hot days in summer is going to increase heat-related illnesses and disease, so providing public access to drinking water in rural communities will be essential to future health and wellbeing in rural Victoria.”

In their submissions, the actions and solutions locals are calling for include:

• stop further development in places that are highly likely to be impacted by climate breakdown, for example through improved flood mapping,
• build new infrastructure to withstand or avoid climate impacts,
• update infrastructure such as public transport, water and electricity supplies to withstand climate impacts,
• remove the major impediments to the uptake of home batteries (principally cost) and to implementation of community batteries,
• better controls on subdivision and associated land clearance, and on dwelling type,
• much higher building standards and retrofit older buildings to improve survivability,
• create, upgrade and maintain plant, tree and outdoor ‘green’ environments and streetscapes in urban areas,
• encourage the use of more indigenous trees and plants as they tend to need less water,
• educate the public about the risks of climate change and provide training and support to deal with the risks and impacts,
• strong community consultation with those who will be most impacted, 
• plan and provide more and better health and mental health support for the increasing number of people whose health and mental health will be impacted,
• free access to sunscreen which is easily accessible and sunscreen available through food banks,
• improved public access to drinking water through more drinking taps,
• provide refuges in every community for each type of climate impact so the poor and vulnerable especially have somewhere to shelter,
• design and implement tailored flexible solutions, with long term goals and no ‘quick fixes’, 
• provide funding for local adaptation initiatives that focus on building community resilience to withstand climate impacts,
• establish a permanent Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund (VCCAF), and
• relocate extremely vulnerable populations.

“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.

“Building resilience to climate disasters in our communities demands centering the needs of those most at risk in our disaster preparation, planning and response. In preparing for climate impacts the Government must follow a just adaptation framework that addresses multiple and intersecting injustices. This includes integrating learnings from the ancestral knowledges and ongoing adaptive practices of Indigenous Peoples.”

“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.”

IMAGES: Community photo taken outside the Wangaratta 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 

CONTACTS:

Vicky Ellmore

Community Organiser, Act on Climate collective, Friends of the Earth Melbourne 

0424687809

[email protected] 

/

India Rowles

Community Organiser, Act on Climate collective, Friends of the Earth Melbourne 

0434 269 777

[email protected]

Join the call for A Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria by adding your name to our petition 

December 3, 2024

Central Vic 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 seventh of these hearings was at the Victorian Emergency Management Institute in Mount Macedon on 3 December 2024. At the event, local government from Bendigo and Macedon Ranges, Central Vic Greenhouse Alliance, Bendigo Sustainability Group, local CMAs, Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, and others spoke to the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee about local climate resilience.

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 Central Vic shared their concerns around high fire risk, floods, storms, drought, and extreme heat and heatwaves. In addition, there is concern about the disruption to transport routes and community services due to increasing climate change impacts, as well as community health and wellbeing being impacted due to living and working in buildings that are not resilient to extreme temperatures or which are at risk from flooding, storms and bushfires. Other worries mentioned are rental housing safety and the fact that insurance costs are increasing while coverage is decreasing.

In its submission, the City of Greater Bendigo notes that it has experienced an increase in the number of natural disasters in recent years, and that it has suffered substantial financial implications due to fires and floods. These events also placed a significant burden on the council’s staff resourcing, both during the response and the recovery process, with it writing:

“The concurrent events and the long tail of recovery have meant Council is responding to new events whilst still actively recovering from previous events. Slow onset climate impacts such as drought, increased heat and lower rainfall will also impact on our built environment and infrastructure in the future.”

In their submissions, the actions and solutions locals are calling for include:

• Prioritise Indigenous knowledge and cultural burning
• Centralise flood modelling to speed up the introduction and review of flooding overlays to ensure they reflect new climate informed modelling
• Investment in retrofitting to make homes climate resilient
• Local community climate vulnerability assessments and action plans,
• Stop high density development - build new houses with more space between them,
• Fund the protection and enhancement of existing remnant native vegetation on public and private land, as well as revegetation,
• Minimum energy efficiency and climate resilience standards for rental properties, 
• Support local governments to undertake proactive maintenance and upgrades to assets as standards change to account for climate change, and
• The establishment of a permanent Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund (VCCAF).

Quotes from local submissions include: 

“Having worked in climate change at the Australian Conservation Foundation some 35 years ago, I know the increased risk of fire created by global warming. I believe that the community would benefit from First Nations people being paid to help locals with advice and cool burning and supervising regularly cool burning the areas of state forest and bushland which surround our town. In addition, clearing the blackberries, broom and weeds and planting low-growing indigenous plants in Cornish Hill would reduce this area so close to houses from being such an ongoing high fire risk.”

“Lack of energy efficient homes are cited as the primary factor in deaths associated with heat waves, which are the deadliest of all other extreme weather events combined. Approximately 50% of Greater Bendigo homes were built before 1990. A Sustainability Victoria study found that homes of this era generally perform in accordance with a 1.6 star energy rating. The same Sustainability Victoria study found that homes built between 1990 and 2004 (20% of Bendigo’s housing stock) are likely to perform in accordance with a 3.1 star energy rating. These homes are vulnerable to both extreme heat and cold and are expensive for residents to run.“  

“A state or national retrofitting program would help enhance the resilience of existing homes to climate risks. For disaster resilience, simple initiatives such as raising electrical switchboards, installing flood resistant floor coverings and permeable fencing can help reduce damage from flood events in established neighbourhoods and townships with housing stock built before contemporary flood mitigation standards. Similarly, support for installation of fire retardant plantings and external sprinkler systems can help reduce the risk of property damage in fire prone areas.”

A survey of Victorian councils by FinPro found that the costs associated with climate change are contributing to significant financial pressure on local governments. The ability of Victorian councils to keep up with regular asset maintenance and renewal, and to invest in upgrades for climate resilience, is severely hampered by resource and funding constraints.

Adding to the above actions, the Central Vic Greenhouse Alliance of local government and statutory authorities, which is made up of Ararat Rural City Council, Ballarat City Council, Buloke Shire Council, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Gannawarra Shire Council, Greater Bendigo City Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Loddon Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council, and Swan Hill Rural City Council, together with other Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, is calling for:

• increasing access to financial support for asset risk assessments and resilience upgrades,
• mainstreaming betterment for climate resilient assets ("build back better"),
• increasing access to data and support for evidence-based decision-making,
• embedding climate change as a priority consideration at all levels of the Victorian planning system,
• green infrastructure programs,
• increasing coordination of and support for emergency management services,
• investing in the resilience of facilities used for shelter and emergency relief, and
• a multilevel governance approach to climate adaptation and resilience.

“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.

“Building resilience to climate disasters in our communities demands centering the needs of those most at risk in our disaster preparation, planning and response. In preparing for climate impacts the Government must follow a just adaptation framework that addresses multiple and intersecting injustices. This includes integrating learnings from the ancestral knowledges and ongoing adaptive practices of Indigenous Peoples.”

“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 Macedon Resilience Inquiry hearing with Annika Kearton from the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, Jeff from the Macedon Ranges Sustainability group and 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 

CONTACTS:

Vicky Ellmore

Community Organiser, Act on Climate collective, Friends of the Earth Melbourne 

0424687809

[email protected] 

/

India Rowles

Community Organiser, Act on Climate collective, Friends of the Earth Melbourne 

0434 269 777

[email protected] 

Join the call for A Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria by adding your name to our petition 

November 20, 2024

Melbourne 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 sixth of these hearings was in Melbourne on 20 November 2024. At the event, local government, the Federation of Community Legal Centres, Geelong Sustainability, the Housing Industry Association, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and others spoke to the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee about local climate resilience. City of Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula communities were represented by their councils at the hearing, and Geelong Sustainability represented the local Geelong community.

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 Melbourne shared their concerns around heatwaves and the heat island effect, heavy rainfall and flooding, and storms. In addition, there is concern about the impacts on community and society as well as mental and physical health due to increasing climate change impacts. Quotes from local submissions include:

“When I bought my house in Brunswick I was shocked to realise that temperatures there were 3-4 degrees hotter than the leafy inner suburb in which I had previously been living. Whilst doing upgrades before moving in I was often sweltering in early morning heat in Brunswick, then returning home to a pleasant temperature and then riding my bike along pleasant shady bike paths to work. It was a real eye-opener.”

“I regularly see residents jump on my bus service because it's the only place they can cool their core temperature. It’s the only heat zone refuge they have. They often ride the service all the way to the end of the route and then return to the inner city on the same service. These residents are often disabled or suffer from mental health issues. Where can they go?”

“In my community, I've seen the effects of worsening climate change. My neighbours have been flooded. Family members and local children are growing very anxious about how climate change will devastate their futures. Neighbours in poorly built houses and apartments struggle with the heat in the summer and the growing humidity and mould in our changed winters. We need the government to step up and take action.”

In their submissions, the actions and solutions locals are calling for include:

• Provide substantial shade and cool places, including tree canopy cover, especially around public transport stops/stations 
• Planning system reform that directs development away from flood-prone areas
• Government buy-outs for those who live in flood prone areas
• Support vulnerable households in making essential home upgrades such as draught proofing, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances,
• Including insulation standards for rentals 
• Maintain and increase urban greening
• Greater collaboration and alignment between levels of government,
• Updating of state-wide flood risk modelling, overlays and planning provisions
• Provide a realistic and appropriate level of ongoing funding for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation to ensure community resilience
• The creation of a semi-independent body that is at arm’s length from State and Local Governments, whose task it is to explore, socialise and where possible begin to implement adaptation options in Victoria
• Ensure there are government-regulated building standards for all new buildings (regarding efficiency, insulation and passive cooling)
• More frequent and air conditioned public transport 
• Providing more mental health support for increasing climate anxiety and trauma associated with extreme climate impacts 

“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.”

“Building resilience to climate disasters in our communities demands centering the needs of those most at risk in our disaster preparation, planning and response. In preparing for climate impacts the Government must follow a just adaptation framework that addresses multiple and intersecting injustices. This includes integrating learnings from the ancestral knowledges and ongoing adaptive practices of Indigenous Peoples.”

IMAGE: Community photo taken outside the Melbourne 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:

India Rowles

Community Organiser, Act on Climate collective, Friends of the Earth Melbourne 

[email protected]

Join the call for A Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria by adding your name to our petition 

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 

October 10, 2024

Dandenong Ranges 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 third of these hearings was in Emerald at the Lakeside Centre on 10 October 2024. At the event, local councils, emergency support groups and businesses, Emerald Community House Centre of Resilience, and others spoke to the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee about local climate resilience. Concerned members of the Dandenong Ranges, Greater Dandenong, and wider South East Melbourne community went along to hear them speak. 

Before going into the hearing, 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 Dandenong Ranges shared their concerns around the bushfires and storm events the area has experienced. In addition, locals are concerned about the isolation of people in the Dandenong Ranges when power supply and communication is disrupted and roads close. Quotes from local submissions include:

“[The second severe storm event in 2024] following so soon after the 2021 created alarm and an increased sense of urgency. It challenged the Emerald community to think and act differently. The ferocity of the event, the destruction and failure of multiple infrastructure services, the widespread impact on the functioning of the community and the apparent unpreparedness of so many people, businesses, and relevant authorities and agencies to cope, raised the inadequacy of the current arrangements.

 “The ongoing threat of bushfire and the overall vulnerability of communities in the Dandenong Ranges to power and internet outages, the closure of roads, the potential isolation of towns and individual households and the high level 5 of reliance on motor vehicles were brought dramatically to light. No longer was it an option to sit back as a community and wait for action.”

“With Community Climate Adaptation Funding our local community would be empowered to identify dangers and risks present in a changing climate and better respond to preparation needs before disasters strike.”

In their submissions the actions and solutions Dandenong Ranges locals are calling for include:

• information and education on what resources are available in an emergency and how they will be deployed, as well as on resilience plans, strategies, and communication plans for before, during and after climate impacts and disasters,
• local community resilience plans,
• undergrounding of power lines and local energy and telecommunications security
• hazard tree inspections and improved vegetation management, and
• funding for local adaptation initiatives, such as community emergency hubs in Hills townships, emergency information kits for distribution to the community, and energy backup systems.

In their submissions the actions and solutions Greater Dandenong locals are calling for include:

• the preservation and expansion of green spaces for urban cooling,
• strong minimum standards for rental housing and improving energy ratings for new homes to ensure they are thermally and environmentally safe,
• updated flood mapping and no new developments in areas impacted by flooding,
• better management of the water load on the drainage systems,
• neighbourhood batteries,
• enhanced public transport with localised routes and walkable suburbs,
• localisation rather than centralisation in food, jobs, services, and education,
• address the current lack of culturally diverse voices in the climate adaptation and resilience discussion, and
• a significant general increase of funding from the Victorian Government to local councils, community service organisations, emergency service providers and community groups.

“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 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 outside the Emerald Resilience Inquiry hearing with Fund Community Climate Resilience banner

CONTACT:

Vicky Ellmore

Community Organiser, Act on Climate collective, Friends of the Earth Melbourne

0424 687 809

Join the call for A Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria by adding your name to our petition 

Seismic blasting multinational TGS announced this morning that they have decided not to proceed with the Otway blasting plan, withdrawing from NOPSEMA assessment.

Under the proposal, TGS were to blast the Otway Basin off the west coast of Victoria with 250 decibels of noise - louder than an atomic bomb - every 10 seconds, 24 hours a day for months on end to search for new oil and gas reserves. When they first submitted their proposal to the Government Management Authority their plan was for the largest seismic blasting proposal in the world covering a footprint of 7.7 million hectares. Over two and a half years of community pressure the scope of the project was reduced to cover a shrinking area until finally today they have withdrawn their application.

Media reports today that Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has “backflipped” on a ban on cooktops are inaccurate and an unhelpful distraction from gas heaters which guzzle half of the gas used in Victoria and the pipeline system which leaks more gas than is used in cooking statewide.

September 4, 2024

Gippsland community calls for the Vic 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 first of these hearings was in Traralgon at the Century Inn on 3 September 2024, while Gippsland was still recovering from intense storms and havoc-wrecking winds due to climate change. At the event, local councils, Gippsland environment groups, associate professors, farming representatives, and others spoke to the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee about local climate resilience. Concerned members of the Gippsland community went along to hear them speak.

Before going into the hearing, 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. Many community members who wished to attend this hearing to show support for more funding of climate adaptation were unable to due to impacts from the recent storm surges and intense winds.

“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 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.

In their submissions to the Inquiry into Climate Resilience, people from Gippsland have shared their concerns around the unprecedented heatwaves, bushfires, storms, winds, drought, and flooding Gippsland has experienced. In addition, the isolation of people in Gippsland when power supply and communication is disrupted, the reluctance to engage in discussions about preparation and adaptation, and sea-level rise are concerning locals.

“Governments are far from ready to deal with the compounding consequences of new disasters occurring faster than we can recover from previous ones,” one Gippsland resident noted in their submission.

“While climate change poses grave dangers to us all, it is the youth of today who are at greatest long-term risk. In Gippsland, their young lives have already been impacted by heatwaves, bushfires and floods. Some have seen their homes destroyed. Many have witnessed local bushland and wildlife devastated by fire, and all live with fear and uncertainty as they face the future on a warming planet.” 

In their submissions the actions and solutions Gippsland locals are calling for include:

• strengthened development planning and building regulations that take account of a changing climate,
• assistance to enable people, especially those most at risk, to retrofit their homes to cope with climate extremes,
• much greater financial support to our firefighting capabilities,
• inform, update, and better engage with people about the climate challenges ahead and ensure more conversations around climate change readiness, involving local communities in disaster preparedness plans,
• investment in training of many more young people for work that will be required to transition and adapt our communities, and
• funding for local adaptation initiatives, such as warning systems, housing insulation, emergency accommodation and support via mutual aid systems, localised power grids for isolated towns, disaster-proof safe refuges, on-ground action to manage coastline erosion.

“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 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.”

Join the call for A Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria by adding your name to our petition 

Friends of the Earth (FoE) - response to Victorian state budget 2024/25

As expected, this was a state budget focused strongly on cost of living pressures, with emphasis on assisting families, and continued investment in public infrastructure including training, education and health.

As such, expectations in the realm of environment and energy had been very modest, and as expected there were no major new projects announced in this budget. The energy measures outlined in the budget are generally a ‘business as usual’ continuation of existing positive policy and previous commitments. We welcome the commitment to review the Victorian Energy Upgrades program and support VicGrid’s transmission planning reforms. Progress on the development of onshore and offshore renewable energy will continue, with funding to assist in mitigating the biodiversity impacts of these projects.

MEDIA RELEASE 1 May 2024

Today Federal Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced a major step forward for offshore wind in Australia, granting feasibility licences for six projects in Victoria’s Gippsland region.

This includes a feasibility licence for Star of the South, a visionary offshore wind project that has been proposed for several years, capturing the imagination of people in Gippsland as the region’s coal fired power stations begin to close.

Environmental justice group Friends of the Earth welcomes the announcement, saying offshore wind will make a major contribution to action on climate change while creating thousands of jobs.