Victoria’s unique and precious marine and coastal environments will be further protected by a new strategy released today for consultation by the Andrews Labor Government.

The Andrews Labor Government will help thousands of low-income Victorians upgrade their inefficient heating and cooling systems – improving the comfort of their homes, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and saving households up to $300 per year on their energy bills.

The Victorian Government is helping businesses to switch to renewable hydrogen, with $7.2 million in funding to deliver trials, pilots and feasibility studies that will enable them to take the first steps in transitioning to this clean energy alternative, as Victoria works to halve its emissions by 2030.

The Victorian and Queensland Governments have secured a deal to share a Large Air Tanker to support aerial firefighting capacity in both states during their respective bushfire seasons.

Used coffee grounds equivalent to six million lattes will be composted into Victorian gardens as the Andrews Labor Government boosts funding for new and innovative projects to divert food waste from landfill.

Victorians from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for up to 300 Project Firefighters and Forest and Fire Operations Officers, with the Andrews Labor Government recruiting ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.

As a part of delivering its ambitious Climate Change Strategy and halving emissions by 2030, the Andrews Labor Government is establishing seven new Community Power Hubs and providing grants for community groups to install renewable energy and undertake energy audits.

Yackandandah is one step closer to being powered by 100 per cent renewable energy with a new community battery and microgrid, made possible by more than $550,000 from the Andrews Labor Government.

Yackandandah Creek has a new master plan that will guide the development of new and upgraded facilities in the state forest for the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike.

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Traditional Owners’ self-determination by putting renewable energy projects directly in the hands of Aboriginal community groups across Victoria.

A significant milestone in recognising the rights of the Yorta Yorta Traditional Owners in caring for country was reached today, with the launch of a Joint Management Plan for Barmah National Park.

Melburnians and their four-legged friends in the south eastern suburbs are celebrating the opening of two new off-leash dog parks in Carrum Downs and Cranbourne East.

The Andrews Labor Government is overhauling the Code of Practice for Timber Production to provide much needed certainty for conservationists, the forestry industry and the Conservation Regulator.

Federation University will build the nation’s first wind turbine training tower to prepare Victorian students for jobs in the booming renewable energy sector.

While the situation at Yallourn is now stable, it remains critical to find a permanent solution to the flooding and ensure Victoria’s energy supply is secure. The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to work with EnergyAustralia to protect the Yallourn Coal Mine.

The new Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park − stretching along 40 kilometres of the beautiful Gippsland Coast − was launched today with a smoking ceremony by Traditional Owners.

The Victorian Government is seeking feedback from industry, businesses and the community about ways to reduce our reliance on natural gas, including more sustainable options like renewable hydrogen, biogas and electrification.

The Victorian Government is helping businesses, including some of the state’s largest employers, take up smart technologies to reduce emissions, cut energy costs and keep more Victorians in work.