The Rudd Government is providing a new round of grants totalling $500,000 to help local governments prepare their communities for the likely impacts of climate change.

Announcing the latest round of the Local Adaptation Pathways Program in Brisbane today, the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said local governments were crucial to helping communities tackle climate change.

"For example, Brisbane City Council is helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging sustainable transport options, generating renewable energy, and using water and energy more efficiently," Senator Wong said.

"The Council is doing this with the assistance of the Australian Government's Cities for Climate Protection Program - demonstrating the great practical results that are generated when different levels of government work together."

But more action was needed to assist local governments around Australia help their communities adapt to the effects of climate change that was already happening, Senator Wong said.

"Today I am announcing that councils may apply for a share in $500,000 of funding to help them develop the information and skills required to identify climate change risks and develop strategies to manage those risk."

Potential risks include increased severe weather events such as cyclones, flooding and storm surge, along with changed rainfall patterns and even negative effects on residents' health.

"Local governments play a key role in how we manage the climate change risks to our communities," Senator Wong said.

"They have a wide range of responsibilities for the communities they serve, including planning and development, natural resource management, property and infrastructure, and for health and recreational facilities."

In addition to helping communities adapt to climate change that is already happening, the Rudd Government is tackling the greenhouse emissions that cause climate change with the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).

"The Rudd Government is delivering a comprehensive strategy to reduce carbon pollution. Through our CPRS, Australia's carbon pollution will start to reduce in 2011."

Local government areas are being encouraged to form consortia to apply for the funding, with a focus on remote and regional councils in this funding round. Up to $75,000 will be available for a single council, $120,000 for two councils and $140,000 for three or more councils.

Expressions of interest for grants under the Local Adaptation Pathways Program are due by25 February 2009. For more information please visit www.climatechange.gov.au