Greg Combet, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, today awarded $120,000 towards helping Victoria’s alpine region prepare for likely climate change.

The funding is being provided to the Towong Shire Council and the Alpine Shire Council under the Australian Government’s Local Adaptation Pathways Program – Round 2.

Congratulating the councils, Mr Combet said the funding would help prepare their local community for the impacts of climate change by undertaking risk assessments and developing action plans.

“Projects like this help communities learn more about the effects that climate change is likely to have on them so they can better prepare for them,” Mr Combet said.

“Victoria’s unique alpine region is expected to experience shorter, drier winters which will be significantly impacted through reductions in snow cover, increased risks of bush fires and the invasion of weeds and other pests.

“Climate change is likely to reduce snow cover by 10-40 per cent by 2020 which will have significant consequences for winter alpine tourism.”

“Endangered species such as the Mountain Pygmy Possum which are adapted to highest elevations and coldest environments will also be affected.”

“Local councils play a major role in managing the effects of climate change on their community as they have wide ranging responsibility from planning and development, natural resources management, infrastructure, and health and recreational facilities,” Mr Combet said.

The project is part of the Australian Government’s Local Adaptation Pathways Program – Round 2 which awarded a total of $874,000 for seven projects to help regional areas across Australia plan for climate change.

A full list of recipients under both rounds of the Local Adaptation Pathways Program is available at www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/localgovernment