By Staff Writer

The Federal Government has announced $500,000 in new grants from its Local Adaptation Pathways Program to assist councils to plan for the expected impacts of climate change.

Local councils around Australia face many potential climate change risks including severe weather events such as cyclones, flooding and storm surge, along with changed rainfall patterns and the detrimental effects on the health of residents.

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong announced that councils may apply for a share in the funding “to help them develop the information and skills required to identify climate change risks and develop strategies to manage those risk”.

“Local governments play a key role in how we manage the climate change risks to our communities,” she 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.”

Local government areas are being encouraged to form groups to apply for the funding, with this funding round focused on remote and regional councils.

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 by 25 February 2009.

For more information visit www.climatechange.gov.au