$16.4 million for climate change projects

$16.4 million in funding has been provided to 19 companies to pursue green projects that will combat climate change and support 189 high-wage, high-skill Australian jobs.

The projects announced by the Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, are funded under the second round of the Rudd government’s Climate Ready program, which has already delivered $27.7 million in project funding and supported 400 green jobs.

Projects include schemes to improve waste recovery and manage climate change-related diseases.

"The Rudd government is committed to supporting industry to adapt to the challenges of climate change, but also to seize the opportunities for innovation in combating its effects," Carr said.

“The projects funded under Climate Ready will improve the environment and create the kind of high-wage, high-skill jobs that drive economic recovery.

“Climate Ready offers dollar-for-dollar support with grants from $50,000 to $5 million."

The $75 million Climate Ready program is part of the Rudd government’s Clean Business Australia initiative — a $240 million, four-year partnership between government and industry to deliver energy- and water-efficient projects with a focus on productivity and innovation.

For further information on the Climate Ready program, visit AusIndustry’s website.