New grants for better progress towards zero emissions


Released 25/07/2017

Non-profit organisations and individuals can now apply for up to $25,000 funding for innovative projects supporting the ACT community’s transition to net zero emissions, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury announced today.

The ACT Government has committed to achieving zero net emissions by no later than 2050. As the risks of climate change become increasingly clear, it is vital that the Canberra community works together to reduce our contributions to global warming, and ensure Canberra grows into a modern and sustainable city.

The 2017-18 ACT Budget will invest $550,000 over four years for the new ACT Community Zero Emissions Grants Program. The program will deliver grants of up to $25,000 with a total pool of $150,000 available in 2017-18.

The ACT has been recognised as a leader in climate action for its commitment to reaching zero net emissions by no later than 2050. This target will eliminate the ACT’s ongoing contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and is consistent with what the science of climate change shows is required to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

The ACT Community Zero Emissions Grants Program will support more individuals and community groups to run engagement programs and undertake projects to help improve the sustainability of the wider community, and contribute towards achieving the ACT’s zero net emissions target.

Grants will help support on-the-ground actions targeting energy efficiency, transport, waste and building design. Support will also be available for projects that engage and educate the wider community about how they can reduce their own emissions footprint.

The 2017-18 ACT Budget will see the Government invest in better health care, better schools for our children and better services for our suburbs, while making the right investments to renew our city and maintain a strong local economy.

Comments attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury:

“The ACT is leading the nation in putting in place ambitious clean energy and zero net emission targets. It is essential that we turn these targets into meaningful action. Through these community grants we will work alongside our community to reduce our emissions footprint and inspire changes in the way we think about the environmental impact of our city.

“There are endless opportunities for the community to come up with ideas to grow our smart, sustainable city across the energy, transport, building, land use and waste sectors. We are looking for innovative, think-outside-the-box projects that engage our community, such as electric bike charging stations, innovative community waste solutions, energy efficiency programs or zero emissions buildings and precincts.”

Grants will be open until Monday 24 July 2017. For more information visit www.actsmart.act.gov.au.

- Statement ends -

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

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