The Victorian State Government has announced the latest winners of grants to help integrate sustainability into the planning process.

Projects to further integrate sustainable thinking into planning and help councils tackle climate change were announced as recipients of the $1.3 million in Victorian Local Sustainability Accord grants yesterday.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the latest round of grants brought the total distributed under the Accord to $5 million with a further $4.2 million to be distributed over the next four years.

“The Brumby Labor Government is working in partnership with the community and Local Government to drive action on climate change and create a sustainable environment for Victorian families,” Mr Jennings said.

“As part of the Victorian Government’s Climate Communities Initiative, the Government’s Victorian Local Sustainability Accord is a successful partnership between State and Local Governments that supports community involvement in tackling climate change.”

Darebin City Council received $125,420 for a project called Talking my Language that will provide environmental information to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Moreland City Council received the largest grant of $251,825 for a project that will see sustainable design assessments made in the planning process roll out.

Mr Jennings also welcomed the appointment of a new Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee which will oversee the Accord until the end of 2012 and advise government on local sustainability issues.

“This committee will be chaired by Councillor Janet Bolitho of the City of Port Phillip and will bring together people from across the local government sector with extensive knowledge and experience in catchment management, environmental planning, community engagement, agriculture, social policy and transport,” he said.

Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said the Accord was an important way councils could actively improve their sustainability in the fight against climate change.

“It is important to engage all levels of the community to combat climate change and become more sustainable. This Accord with local governments can make a real difference,” he said.

To find out more about the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord please visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord