Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing the impacts of climate change requires action from all levels of government, all economic sectors and all sections of society. Community organisations in Victoria play a key role in tackling climate change across urban, regional and rural communities. The Committee received evidence from a broad variety of stakeholders across Victoria, which revealed a vast breadth of activity and deep commitment to community action on climate change. Despite this level of commitment and engagement, there are many barriers to further action by communities. Targeted government support may further assist communities to reduce Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions and increase their resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Victoria’s urban, regional and rural communities are involved in a broad and diverse range of activities aimed at tackling climate change. These activities include greenhouse gas emissions reduction, adaptation to the impacts of climate change, and a wide range of education and lobbying efforts. Communities across Victoria, from metropolitan Melbourne to the Mallee, and Warrnambool to Wodonga, are developing locally customised actions to address the climate change priorities in their area.

Communities are reducing greenhouse gas emissions by installing or purchasing renewable energy, retrofitting homes and businesses to use less energy, installing electric vehicle chargers, minimising waste, recycling and participating in community gardens. Farmers and community groups are planting trees, including for agroforestry, that will help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing net emissions.

This report outlines a number of recommendations for the Victorian government to better support urban, rural and regional communities in their efforts to combat climate change.