Boost for rural and regional communities leading local climate solutions

Pexels Mikhail Peace 939247406 30396397

7 Queensland initiatives funded to enable change now and for the long-term

Seven community organisations across Queensland have shared in over $136,000 in grants from FRRR’s Community Led Climate Solutions program (CLCS).

Proudly supported by Hand Heart Pocket and others committed to a greener future, these local initiatives are proof that when communities come together, real change happens.

For example, in Emerald, the Central Highlands Science Centre will use their $20,000 grant to install a plastic recycling machine to teach regional children about circular economy practices and climate change solutions.

Gympie Landcare will support trainees in earning Conservation and Ecosystem Management qualifications to help restore ecosystems and preserve biodiversity in the Wide Bay-Burnett region, tackling climate change. This grant was worth $17,080.

Sarah Matthee, Climate Solutions Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that the Community Led Climate Solutions program emphasises the importance of empowering local people to lead local climate solutions.

“Local NFPs and community organisations want to play a bigger role in creating sustainable and enduring climate solutions for their communities. This program responds to that need, which is why it continues to attract more and more applications.

“The intent is to empower and enable communities to lead change, by innovating and responding to local opportunities and challenges.

“The projects funded showcase a diverse range of future-focussed, community-led climate solutions, including addressing energy supply, reuse and recycling, distributing knowledge and climate risk adaptation. This diversity reinforces the fact that each community’s experience of the social, economic and environmental impacts of a changing climate is unique.

“So too are the ways that communities want to respond to those circumstances. For example, more than half the projects funded in this round are designed to develop awareness, knowledge and skills. This perhaps also reflects that community groups are at different points in their journey – and each application reflected this,” Ms Matthee explained.

Hand Heart Pocket CEO Sara Parrott noted that this partnership continues the longstanding tradition of the Freemasons of Queensland in supporting their local communities.

“Our collaboration with FRRR helps more regional and rural areas to prepare for and reduce the impacts of a changing climate. It allows us to expand our reach across Queensland, and through these grants, we’re excited to help communities develop and implement climate solutions tailored to their needs. Congratulations to the Queensland recipients of this grant round!”

For a full list of grant recipients visit https://frrr.org.au/blog/2025/01/29/clcs-r2-recipients/#clcs-r2

Subscribe

Receive all of the latest news & publications

Share This

Select your desired option below to share a direct link to this page