Media Release 25 November 2009
Climate Communities to boost local action
The Moreland Energy Foundation has welcomed the Victorian Government’s new
Climate Communities program supporting voluntary local action to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
“This program recognises the vital importance of the work done by households,
businesses, activists and community groups at that local level” said the
Foundation’s CEO Paul Murfitt.
Mr Murfitt said the Climate Communities program, announced today, would be a
valuable complement to emissions trading.
“Climate Communities will enable small players, mums and dads and small local
businesses to be part of that economic change and to benefit from it and to in turn
drive the new successful greener economy.”
“For this program to be effective it is vital that the contribution of voluntary action to
emissions reduction is fully recognised in the final design of the Carbon Pollution
Reduction Scheme.”
“It was encouraging to see movement on this issue as a result of negotiations
between the Federal Government and the Opposition, however the outcome is still
uncertain” he added.
Moreland Energy Foundation has been at the forefront of local action on climate
change in Victoria for the last ten years.
“Based on our experience, we know that climate action requires commitment,
innovation, knowledge and collaboration and the State Government has played an
important role in enabling this activity to develop a sound base” said Mr Murfitt.
The Climate Communities program includes $10 million in new funding over four
years. It will incorporate the existing Sustainability Fund grants program and will
coordinate and promote local-level action on climate change.
For comment contact:
For media assistance contact:
Paul Murfitt
Louise Matthiesson
Chief Executive Officer
Communications Manager
Ph.0401 990 273
Ph. 03 9385 8518
paul@mefl.com.au
louise@mefl.com.au
NEWS 
