A grants program for youth groups in the Barwon South West region is encouraging the next generation to have their say and take action on climate change planning.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced two $9,000 grants have been awarded to youth groups in the Barwon South West region through its climate change youth grants program.
In partnership with local councils, the groups will lead projects that help young people build awareness, collaborate, and develop skills to support climate change adaptation in their community.
Successful grant recipients include:
- Warrnambool City Council: The Green Futures Now project will engage young people in a group-based program that strengthens understanding of actions required, and currently being undertaken, to mitigate and adapt to climate change. It will develop participants’ confidence to take practical and collaborative actions that contribute to the transition toward a greener future.
- Surf Coast Shire Council: The Surf Coast Youth for Climate program will provide opportunities for youth to increase connections between each other, as well as local environment and climate groups and the wider community. It will consist of several practical and theory-based workshops, a practical adaptation action, a community event on completion, and a short film capturing the group’s learnings and journey.
Projects developed through the grants program will also contribute to the development of the Barwon South West Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
The Barwon South West Climate Adaptation Strategy has been funded through the Supporting Our Regions to Adapt Program, a $9.32 million four-year program funded by the Sustainability Fund.
The initiative is part of DELWP’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2017-20, which outlines practical measures Victorian communities can take to prepare for current and likely future climate change impacts.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“The grants aim to empower young people to contribute to and become involved in climate change initiatives that raise awareness and encourage action in local communities.”
“The successful recipients put forward a variety of creative and innovative projects that will make a meaningful contribution to climate change action in the Barwon South West region.”
“We’re proud to support the next generation’s ideas on climate change and ensure their voices are heard in broader climate change adaptation planning.”
