The ACT Government will grant $150,000 to four climate change projects through the Community Zero Emissions Grants program, now in its seventh year.

The program funds projects carried out by eligible not-for-profit organisations and individuals that support the ACT’s transition to net zero emissions or increase community resilience to climate change impacts.

The successful applicants for round seven of the grants are:

• The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science: $49,191 – interactive STEM experiences focused on the energy transition.
• Belconnen Model Aero Club: $28,803 – to purchase a new zero-emissions lawn mower to complete the club’s transition from fossil fuels: a demonstration project for similar groups.
• SEE Change: $34,004 – a series of workshops and a new online portal to help the community reduce emissions at home through carbon capture.
• Women’s Shed Canberra: $37,760 – a series of travelling community workshops aimed at developing construction trade-based skills through restoring, reusing and repurposing household items.

Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Water, Energy, and Emissions Reduction, said: “From a nation-leading research centre to grass-roots community organisations, these grant recipients showcase practical, engaging and collaborative solutions to reduce emissions and improve climate resilience in our community.

“The Canberra community has demonstrated time and time again that they are serious about taking action on climate change, and the Community Zero Emissions Grants program helps support organisations to deliver innovative community-led solutions to the climate crisis.

“This year, the successful projects prioritise community education and participation, and prepare our city for a net-zero emissions future. Projects include interactive education experiences to engage Canberrans in the energy transition, and community projects aimed at keeping waste out of landfill and reducing emissions at home.

“Another project supports the Belconnen Model Aero Club to purchase an electric lawnmower which will be powered using renewable energy generated from the club’s solar and battery system, and will be used to help rehabilitate the Crace Grasslands Nature Reserve. 

“I look forward to seeing the successful projects delivered and benefits they will bring to our community. Projects like these are important for preparing our city for a net zero emissions future, and can help to inspire us all to take action on climate change.”

A spokesperson for the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science said: “Climate change can be confronting – we need positive ways to relate and respond to it. Hands-on activities are an engaging way to explore how it’s affecting us and the planet, and what we can do about it.

“This grant will let me share exciting new activities with communities and schools across Canberra – and learn from them too – as we head toward net zero.”