Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings joined Member for Melbourne Bronwyn Pike today at the Flemington Community Centre to announce a grant of $37,532 to Environment Victoria to facilitate a project called The Flemington Green.
“A sustainable future is important to our government and grassroots projects such as this are one of the best ways we can partner with the community to achieve tangible results,” Mr Jennings said.
“This project will engage and educate 150 residents from three culturally and linguistically diverse communities to reduce energy, water and waste through tailored programs that will include community workshops, excursions, events, new residents’ information packs and home sustainability audits.
“The Flemington Green project will help overcome the individual language and cultural barriers that may be preventing someone from taking action. We want to ensure everyone can play a part in helping the environment.”
Mr Jennings said that since 2006, the Neighbourhood Renewal Grants Program has supported 24 sustainability projects with grants of $1.25 million.
The Neighbourhood Renewal Grants Program is managed by the Sustainability Fund and is delivered in partnership with the Department of Human Services. It helps improve community infrastructure in areas of disadvantage and create vibrant places where people want to live.
Ms Pike said creating a sustainable future wasn’t just about the environment but involved fostering greener communities through such things as adding energy-saving devices to a neighbourhood learning centre, growing a community vegetable garden or promoting bicycle recycling.
“Neighbourhood Renewal programs are part of the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to creating a fairer Victoria. They work to engage residents of public housing estates in sustainability, improve community infrastructure, create jobs and promote healthy, connected communities,” Ms Pike said.
“Applications in round four were of a high standard and represent a broad range of sustainability projects with a strong focus on partnerships and social engagement.”
The Sustainability Fund has provided more than $90 million in funding to support more than 240 diverse projects in schools, businesses, local government and community groups.
See pics from this launch here
Get the latest from the project here