More than $650,000 has been given to 24 local clean energy initiatives that will benefit many First Nations communities
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of Australia's remote, rural and regional communities.
Established in 2000, the FRRR awarded the 24 funding grants to address localised impacts of global warming and energy industry transitions via its Community Led Climate Solutions program.
The program supports locally-led projects that inform and empower locals to adapt or act to mitigate risks caused by a changing climate, and also supports initiatives that empower community groups to assist locals impacted by transitions away from fossil fuel industries and/or transitions to clean energy industry.
The $652,740 in grants are funded through two streams, with grants ranging from $19,186 for a native plant nursery in Moora, WA, to $75,000 for an Indigenous STEM education program to be rolled out in multiple remote communities across the country.
Through the Engage and Deliver stream, nearly $400,000 will be shared by 20 NFPs in grants of up to $20,000, while four community groups will share nearly $255,000 via the Scaling stream.
These larger grants of up to $75,000 not only help scale an appropriate existing locally-led project, but also directly alleviate socio-economic disadvantage and improve the capacity of the local community to take an active role, or lead, in the mitigation or adaptation of climate change.
FRRR chief executive Natalia Egleton said rural communities are keen to get on the front foot to tackle climate change, but also wanted a seat at the table when transitions and investments were directly impacting their community.
"The projects we're funding present a range of climate solutions that showcase future-focused community-led responses," she said.
"The support, engagement or education of young people is a strong theme and these projects stood out as robust in their planning, engagement, partnerships and the community support mechanisms that would be activated.
"We also saw groups keen to develop and share contextualised and culturally responsive knowledge and skills with the wider community."
Yued Aboriginal Corporation CEO Rewi Lyall said their new nursery project was the first step in establishing their ability to grow their own seed stock for caring for Yued Boodja.
"In its own right, it is the germ of a plan, a plan we hope will flourish in the near future," he said.
"FRRR's assistance, with the Paul Ramsay Foundation, is part of a network that includes the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Central Regional TAFE, Woodside and other supporters and principals with which we've worked on, and have future aspirations to deliver, revegetation projects."
Caravel Minerals was the latest company to engage Yued Aboriginal Corporation in environmental management work.
"Economic empowerment and employment are part of what makes a commitment to reconciliation concrete and sets a foundation for future prosperity," Mr Lyall said.
"Each one of these relationships, each of these contributions, demonstrates a commitment worth celebration."
YAC was one of two First Nations-led and controlled organisations to receive funding, while a further 11 recipients demonstrated a partnership with local Traditional Owner groups for the delivery of their project.
"We're particularly pleased to see this strong engagement, as these projects will benefit many remote and very remote communities," Ms Egleton said.
Since 2000, the FRRR has since delivered more than $200 million to upwards of 15,000 projects and this year celebrates 25 years of supporting remote, rural and regional communities across Australia.
