Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program

Eligible applicants

To apply, you must:

• submit your application by 11:59 pm (AEST) on the closing date
• be an eligible organisation as defined in the Program Guidelines (community organisation or local government entity)
• have been in operation for a minimum of one year by the application closing date
• meet or exceed the minimum co-contribution requirement for funding (for Stream 2)
• agree to comply with the Funding Agreement Terms and Conditions and Terms of Participation in Grant Programs.

Eligible projects

The funding must be used to:

• implement and service projects in Victoria.

Stream 1: Audit

• Detailed Energy Audits on existing facilities to identify comprehensive energy improvement upgrades.
• Detailed Energy Auditor costs.
• Consultancy costs.

Stream 2: Implementation

• Implementation of projects that focus on reduction of energy bills and/or greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
• Capital purchases (e.g., infrastructure or equipment) including energy-efficient or renewable energy technology that supports greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
• Consultancy/project management costs.
  
• Costs relating to the demonstration of new technologies.

All Streams:

• New planned projects that have not yet started at the time of grant application.

Co-Contribution

$1:$1 (SV:Applicant) for Stream 2 (not applicable for Stream 1)

Funding limits

Stream 1: Audit grants up to $5,000.

Stream 2: Tier 1 Project grants up to $25,000.

Stream 2: Tier 2 Innovation and Best Practice grants up to $50,000.

Application process

1. You must read the program guidelines, which contain the assessment criteria and other important information.
2. Read and accept the Funding Agreement Terms and Conditions.
3. Read and understand the Terms of Participation in Grant Programs.
4. Create an account or log-in and start your registration at Sustainability Victoria’s SmartyGrants website - Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program - Stream 1 or SmartyGrants website - Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program - Stream 2
5. Stream 1 applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, and should be submitted as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Timeline

Background

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting emissions reduction and renewable energy in the Local Government Sector. This program is intended to support the Victorian Climate Change Framework and the creation of a low emissions climate-resilient built environment.

The program will support community groups to invest in their facilities to:

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• reduce energy cost exposure.

It is estimated that the program will result in the delivery of approximately 100 energy upgrades at community facilities over 2 years through grant support totalling $3.1 million. The program builds on the model of the successful Local Government Energy Saver program and extends support for all community facilities in Victoria, not limited to low socio-economic councils.

One of the funding recipients of the Local Government Energy Saver program was the Corangamite Shire Council who used the funds to upgrade the Timboon Sports Centre to more energy efficient lighting. They now save approximately 8,400 kilowatt hours and $7,200 on energy bills per year. This upgrade also led to a reduction of 9 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.