Through the Climate Action Living Lab, Council aims to support projects that successfully deliver and validate innovative solutions for climate action, to ensure the Casey community and environment is resilient to the impacts of climate change.
The Living Lab aligns with City of Casey's Climate Action Plan and Environment Strategy.
The Climate Action Living Lab is focused on three areas:
- Sustainability and biodiversity: How might we protect and increase native vegetation and animal habitat?
- Safety and climate resilience: How might we ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community during and after extreme weather events?
- Renewable energy: How might we increase the uptake of renewable energy for the community?
To address these challenges, organisations operating in the climate-ready space were invited to apply for a Climate Action Living Lab grant in August 2024.
Six organisations have been selected to partner with Council for 12 months, from February 2025 to February 2026, to trial climate action solutions in the City of Casey. Read more about the partners and their solutions below.
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- Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub: Empowering Youth for Climate Action
Scientists will collaborate with students and teachers from local secondary schools to co-design climate and energy educational materials. The project will empower young people by engaging them in climate action, helping them understand the causes and solutions to climate change through hands-on activities, and encouraging them to take leadership roles in their communities. The final materials will be distributed to all secondary schools across the City.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne: Raising Rarity – City of Casey School Outreach Program
The project will involve collaboration with two primary schools to cultivate the endangered native Swamp Everlasting plant. Students will grow plants and collect seeds, which will be deposited into the Victorian Conservation Seed Bank for future restoration. The program integrates STEM learning and raises awareness about biodiversity and conservation.
- Federation University: Using UV-C Technology to Reduce Chemical Weedicide
The project will trial UV-C technology (ultraviolet light) as an alternative to chemical weed control in Casey’s wetlands. The project will assess the environmental and economic benefits of UV-C treatment through lab trials, reducing the need for repeated chemical applications.
- Equoia: Clean Mobile Power for a Sustainable Future
The project will deploy mobile battery-powered “Power Droids” at Council-run events to replace diesel and petrol generators. This project will collect real-time data on power consumption and emissions, demonstrating the viability of clean, mobile energy solutions for local events and reducing environmental impact.
- Western Port Catchment Landcare Network: City of Casey a Community of Bandicoot Buddies
The project will monitor the vulnerable Southern Brown Bandicoot population in Casey using wildlife cameras. Local schools and residents will assist with data collection to map bandicoot distribution and identify threats from pests. The findings will contribute to long-term conservation strategies for this endangered species.
- Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation: Western Port Koala Corridor Project
To help safeguard Casey’s koala population, the project will use acoustic monitoring to record koala vocalisations and detect their presence over large areas. Drone surveys will be conducted to gather data on habitat quality, koala presence, and threats such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Scat collection and DNA analysis will be used to assess population health and genetic diversity. The findings and recommendations will help inform habitat restoration and conservation strategies to enable long-term koala survival, enhance long-term conservation efforts, and ensure that koalas thrive in a more connected, safer environment.