The Minister for Climate Change, Cassy O'Connor, today encouraged Tasmanians to apply for funding under two programs aimed at helping communities adapt to climate change.

Speaking at the Transition Tasmania Roadshow, Ms O'Connor said applications are now open for funding under both the ClimateConnect program and the Earn Your Stars program.

"These two initiatives are a great way to work with communities to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the challenges of climate change," she said.

"Through ClimateConnect, funding for up to $20,000 is available to help community groups, local government or industry organisations adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"The Earn Your Stars grant program, in its fourth round, offers grants of up to $15 000 to help communities reduce their carbon footprint." 

Ms O'Connor said the two programs were important ways of supporting grassroots action to address climate change.

"These grant programs have helped community groups, local government, research institutions and industry implement a diverse range of innovative projects," she said.

"These have included workshops to engage and educate the community; developing sustainable action plans; developing online video training; supporting the community to optimise their hot water services; investigating resilient pasture species for farmers in the Derwent Valley; and a climate change health impact and risk assessment tool."

Ms O'Connor said today's Transition Tasmania Roadshow offered information to engage and inspire the community to get involved and take action, particularly focusing on the challenges of peak oil, climate change and economic challenges. 

"Events such as these are important in working to build community resilience to the challenges our community face." Ms O'Connor said.

The current round of both the ClimateConnect and Earn Your Stars grant programs will close on Monday 15 October 2012.

More details on both programs, including guidelines, application forms and information of previous projects, can be found at http://www.earnyourstars.tas.gov.au/grants