Two community groups on the Sunshine Coast will save money on their power bills and play their part in helping reduce Australia’s emissions thanks to grants from the Morrison Government.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that in Fisher on the Sunshine Coast Caloundra Rugby Union Club and the Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club have been awarded grants of $11,545 and $12,500 respectively.
“These grants are a win for everybody. Local community groups need all the help they can get at this difficult time, and a reduction in their energy bills will be a welcome leg up. Just as important, work coming from these grants will go to local businesses and tradies and help support jobs in our community.” Mr Wallace said.
Both grants will go toward the installation of solar panels at the two Clubs.
“During this health and economic crisis we must not lose sight of our responsibility to also preserve our spectacular local environment, and these grants are going to make a contribution by reducing our local emissions.” he said.
Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club President Jim Chisholm said “We are very grateful to the Morrison Government for providing this grant which will enable the installation of solar panels on our Clubhouse. The energy cost savings from these solar panels will help our lifesavers in keeping Kings Beach safe for all our visitors”
Across Australia, not-for-profit community groups have been awarded grants of up to $12,500 for energy-saving projects under the Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said up to two community groups in each federal electorate will receive support for an energy-saving project such as installing a solar PV system, upgrading to more energy efficient equipment or having an energy audit done on their premises.
“Energy bills are often one of the biggest overheads for volunteer organisations, and we want to help ease some of the financial pressures facing our hardworking community groups,” Minister Taylor said.
“These groups are the lifeblood of our towns and regions. The more they can save on running costs, the more they can spend to support their communities.”
The Energy Efficient Communities Program was announced as part of the Government’s Climate Solutions Package in the 2019 Budget. In addition to grants for community organisations, the program will provide $10 million for dairy farming businesses, $9 million for small businesses and $15 million for high energy-using businesses.
Applications are now open for the dairy and small business round. Further information on the Energy Efficient Communities Program is available at energy.gov.au. Businesses that wish to apply for a grant can access the guidelines and application forms at business.gov.au or by telephone on 13 28 46.
