The Andrews Labor Government is helping to combat air pollution in Melbourne’s west through a new series of grants providing targeted support to local suburbs.
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt today announced the opening of the $2.84 million Air Quality Improvement Precincts grants program – which will establish Air Quality Improvement Precincts across Melbourne’s western suburbs, kickstarting localised action to improve air quality.
Up to $1 million in grants will be allocated to each precinct to help businesses minimise their pollution output.
Applications for the first round of grants open until Wednesday 30 August. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for businesses located in or that operate in the outer western suburbs of Melbourne. Businesses can either apply individually or as collaborative partnerships.
A second round for businesses located in or operating in the city’s inner west will open later this year.
The establishment of Air Quality Improvement Precincts is part of the Labor Government’s Clean Air for all Victorians – Victoria’s Air Quality Strategy, Victoria’s first overarching plan to address air pollution.
Clean Air for all Victorians was released in 2022 and sets out the Labor Government’s approach to reducing air pollution. Over the next decade, the strategy will reduce air pollution and improve air quality, while also addressing the challenges of climate change and population growth.
The grants build on the Government’s ambitious climate change agenda, as the state continues to transition towards renewable energy and zero emissions vehicles which will also contribute to improving air quality.
For more information on the grants, including the precinct boundary and how to apply, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/air-quality-improvement-precincts-grant-program.
As stated by Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt
“This is an important part of our air quality strategy, which focuses on reducing air pollution for Victorians now and into the future.”
As stated by Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
“Later this year the Government will legislate these emissions reduction target of 75-80 per cent by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.”
As stated by Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“The outer west and inner west are two of our state’s air pollution hot spots, and these grants will help businesses in those areas to address local issues and reduce emissions of common air polluting particles.”
As stated by Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly
“As Victoria aims to cut emissions by 75-80 per cent by 2035, these grants back our commitment to tackling climate change and air pollution for a cleaner, greener community here in Melbourne’s west.”
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“With the West Gate Tunnel Project set to take trucks off local roads, the Air Quality Improvement Precincts grants is just another way we are reducing air pollution in Melbourne’s west.”
