19 May 2016 Corryong Courier, Corryong VIC (General News) The Victorian government is providing funding to country communities with grants of more than $200,000 to help areas in the state most impacted by climate change. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes has announced funding for many Northern Victorian councils, including Towong Shire, that will support them to take action that helps local communities prepare for climate change. Towong Shire will get a grant of $80,000 to deliver an innovative demonstration solar bank which will educate the local community and provide opportunities for individuals and business owners to make informed investments in energy storage and solar electricity systems. Towong also received a $10,000 grant for its beating the heat program cooling canopies for community resilience project. Council is aiming for 40 per cent tree canopy coverage in parks and streets by 2025 to provide a cooler localised environment and help residents beat the heat. Other councils to receive funding include Indigo Shire, Wodonga, Murrindindi Shire, Benalla Rural City, Mitchell Shire, Moira Shire, Alpine Shire and Rural City of Wangaratta. This funding is restoring Victoria as a leader in climate change, and enabling country councils to support their. local communities tackle climate change, Ms Symes said.