Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Victoria continues to lead the country on climate action, with the energy sector leading the charge. Last month’s release of the Climate Change Strategy 2026-2030 outlines the next steps on our journey to net zero by 2045.

Summer is here ☀️😎 and it’s when smart water use at home matters the most💧 As the days heat up, Victoria’s household water use spikes 📈 It’s largely driven by an increase in outdoor water use - garden watering, outdoor cleaning activities and refilling pools. Victoria’s Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place across the whole state to help us use water wisely outdoors. They’re simple steps we can all follow, such as sweeping driveways instead of hosing them, and keeping to time limits for garden watering systems. 👇 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gS9rRSPM

We’re thrilled to announce that Kate Hill from the Murrindindi Fire District is the recipient of the 2025 Forest Fire Management Victoria Hume Region Deputy Chief Fire Officer Award. The annual award celebrates exceptional contribution to emergency management and leadership. Kate has spent more than a decade on the frontline, protecting communities and leading crews through some of Victoria’s toughest fire seasons. Starting as a project firefighter in Marysville in 2011, she quickly became known for her hands-on approach and willingness to take on the hardest jobs. Over the years, Kate has responded to major bushfires across Victoria, led crews under extreme conditions including the Upper Murray – Walwa fire in 2020, and supported firefighting efforts in South Australia and Queensland. Alongside her operational work, Kate has also played a key role in training and mentoring others, helping build skills and confidence across the region. Her experience, leadership, and commitment makes a real difference to the safety of our firefighters and community. Nice work Kate 👌

Big news! Eligible workers now have access to fully funded training and certification to support the safe introduction of retrofit ceiling insulation in Victorian homes under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. See how the Victorian Government is partnering with the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) and registered trainers to educate, train, certify and expand the Victorian insulation workforce to install insulation to the highest standards of safety and quality. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gRa6Fgna

We’re extending the application period for Round 3 of the Energy Innovation Fund to give applicants more time to complete their submissions. New closing date: 1pm, 12 December 2025 (AEDT) Round 3 focuses on industrial electrification in Victoria’s food and beverage processing and manufacturing sector. Up to $10 million in funding is available to co-fund innovative projects that replace fossil fuels with electric alternatives and help Victoria reach net-zero emissions by 2045. If you’re working on a project that can help drive cleaner, more efficient and more resilient food and beverage production in Victoria, we encourage you to apply. Learn more and submit an application via https://lnkd.in/gsUVYuH

Our new, independent food safety regulator is taking shape, getting ready to launch in mid-2026. 🍎 🦞 🐄 🍌 🥐 🍩 🧋 Safe Food Victoria will bring together the collective expertise of our current food safety system into one dedicated regulator. Part of this requires strong, dedicated, passionate leadership to ensure every Victorian can have confidence in the products they consume. Recruitment has begun for the first Board of Safe Food Victoria; a perfect fit for people who believe in good governance, regulation, responsible food production, public health and community engagement. If this is you, apply to join our new independent authority which will shape the future of food safety by Sunday 23 November: https://lnkd.in/gWuzp5XA

We are supporting five emerging leaders in catchment management to further develop their leadership skills and expertise through the Our Catchments, Our Communities Leadership Development Grants. More than $30,000 in grants will allow recipients to undertake training, mentoring and deliver workshops to develop their leadership and build the community’s skills to work together and make an impact in catchment management. The grants support our commitment to managing Victoria’s catchments to benefit our environment, our community and our economy. Learn more about the grants at https://lnkd.in/gYKeZXwu

Since launching in 2018 Solar Victoria has slashed over a billion dollars off the upfront cost of installing solar, heat pumps and batteries and other home energy-efficiency incentives – helping more Victorians cut their cost of living by slashing energy bills.

VicGrid has released the corridor and draft preferred route for the transmission to connect offshore wind energy from Gippsland to the electricity grid, which will help power Victoria with reliable and affordable energy.

Last week acting CFO Scott Turner was among chiefs from across Victoria’s land and fire agencies who presented at a briefing for emergency broadcasters. The yearly briefing provides key information and updates for Victoria’s emergency broadcasters, including the weather outlook, hazard-specific updates and a refresher on the requirements of an emergency broadcaster. Emergency broadcasters play a vital role helping to keep communities safe during the high-risk weather season. They are comprised of both commercial and community broadcasters and provide information to help you make decisions based on the latest advice from emergency services. Find your emergency broadcaster: https://lnkd.in/g3msTXEk