What We Do
Climate change demands urgent action and Groundswell is accelerating the solutions.
We see the big picture and recognise no single project can solve climate change. That’s why we invest in a whole network of interconnected organisations who are driving systemic change across the country.
This collaborative approach means we’re tackling climate change from all angles – reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, protecting our precious ecosystems, and building a fairer, more sustainable future.
Since 2020, the Groundswell community has raised and distributed over $4.6 million for climate solutions, building momentum for meaningful and ambitious action.
Community Grantmaking
Over $4.6 million granted
|
116 grant winners
| 450+ members
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Over $4.6 million granted | 116 grant winners | 450+ members |
Climate Integrity filed a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) challenging Qantas' net-zero claims. By arguing Qantas' marketing presents a misleading image of their sustainability efforts, this action aims to hold Qantas accountable for potentially deceptive advertising and ensure consumers have accurate information about the environmental impact of their flights. If successful it will pave the way for ambitious policy benchmarks across all business, not just the aviation industry.
Rewiring Australia secured $5.4 million in federal funding to launch Electrify 2515, a world-first pilot program transforming a coastal community south of Sydney into a model for home electrification. This is a bold and ambitious step towards Australia’s net-zero future that will not only help coastal residents replace gas appliances with electric alternatives, it will provide the critical real-world data to support a scaled up renewable roll out across Australia.
Lock The Gate shut down two proposed coal mines, preventing more than one billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere. Glencore and Yancoal were forced to withdraw their proposal in NSW from consideration under federal environmental laws after state planning officials raised concerns about the development’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is significant because it’s the first time a government has asked a company to reconsider its plans because of the emissions and climate impact.
Hunter Jobs Alliance successfully campaigned for the establishment of a $60 million Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at a Newcastle TAFE. This marks a crucial moment in the region's transition to a sustainable future. The Centre will play a pivotal role in addressing skills shortages and securing clean energy jobs, ensuring the region’s workforce is prepared to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.
Grata is supporting Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul’s Australian Climate Case – two Traditional Owners and Native Title rights holders from the islands of Boigu and Saibai in Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait) suing the Australian Government for negligence. If successful, this may force the government to reduce emissions in line with the best available science.
Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) scored a major victory for marine conservation, forcing TGS to withdraw its plan for a colossal seismic blasting project in the Southern Ocean. AMCS mobilised 30,000 people to submit comments opposing the project, which originally targeted an area larger than Tasmania, including a Commonwealth marine park. This people-powered campaign, combined with protests along the Victorian coast, successfully protected a vital marine ecosystem from a devastating threat.
