Small and medium hotels across the Sunshine Coast electorate of Fisher are sharing in $161,000 worth of support from the Morrison Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business, employ more Australians and get ahead.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that seven hotels in Fisher had received up to $25,000 each under the Hotel Energy Uplift Program.
“The past eighteen months have been tough going for many of our local tourism operators. However, Sunshine Coast business leaders are resilient and innovative, and I have heard many stories this year about the changes they have made and the new approaches they have taken to recover stronger than ever. This grant is going to support more of this innovation throughout our region.” Mr Wallace said
In the electorate of Fisher, grants of between $19,000 and $25,000 were received by Watermark Resort and Belaire Place Motel in Caloundra, Tranquil Park and Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny, Moffat Beach Motel, Montville Misty View Cottages and Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Trip Advisor’s Most Romantic Hotel of 2021.
“I have met with many of these hotel operators and others through my Fisher Tourism Council over the last twelve months and I know the sacrifices and the hard work they have all put in. I’m pleased to be able to help the local tourism sector now to save on energy costs, putting more money back in their pockets and supporting the creation of new jobs, including for local electricians, carpenters, engineers, and plumbers,” he said.
Grants under this program will help lower local hotels’ energy bills by upgrading to more energy efficient air-conditioning, refrigeration and equipment, improving the building through double glazing and insulation, carrying out energy audits or installing energy monitoring equipment.
“Better energy efficiency for some of these larger businesses is also going to mean a reduced environmental impact for our local tourism sector, helping to preserve the Sunshine Coast’s unique natural assets.” Mr Wallace said.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Australia’s hotel industry was among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the Morrison Government is committed to helping local operators get back on their feet.
“As we secure Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, backing businesses to get ahead is a key priority of the Morrison Government,” said Minister Taylor.
“Over 85 per cent of the grants awarded will go to hotels in regional or remote Australia, providing a significant boost to our regions. This is good news for tourist destinations welcoming back visitors after COVID-19-related restrictions.”
The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.
Hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms were eligible to receive grants under the program.
“Programs like this will make a big difference to our local accommodation providers, but there’s no substitute for support from our community. So please, #SupportSunshineCoast, get out there in our region and #shoplocal, #staylocal and #playlocal to help keep our tourism industry thriving during this difficult time.” Mr Wallace added.
More information on the program is available at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/hotel-energy-uplift-program
