A re-elected Turnbull Government will invest $300,000 for a Macarthur Local Environment Plan.
This includes a new Green Army project for St Andrews and $100,000 in funding through the Solar Communities Programme for local community groups to install solar and battery storage.
Federal Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson was joined by Environment Minister Greg Hunt to announce that the YWCA Yummy Cafe in Ambarvale which will share in $100,000 towards installing solar and battery storage systems.
The Coalition recognises the important role community and household solar plays in Australia’s transition to a low emissions economy with an increase in renewable energy.
“The Coalition’s Solar Communities Program will provide funding for groups across Australia to install rooftop solar PV, solar hot water and battery storage systems for community owned buildings,” Minister Hunt said.
Community organisations such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will be able to apply for funding of up to $15,000 through the Solar Communities Programme.
“Installing solar photovoltaic panel systems on the buildings used by these groups will deliver benefits to the community and the environment by saving energy, reducing emissions and lowering electricity bills.” Mr Matheson said
“The YWCA Yummy Cafe will receive up to $15,000 to install a new solar PV system. A 5 KW solar PV system connected to a 10KWh could the society save $1,900 in lower electricity costs per annum and around 6 tonnes of emissions per annum,” Minister Hunt said.
Around 350 community groups nationwide are expected to benefit from the expanded program, with $5 million available.
“Unlike Labor, the Coalition is committed to tackling climate change without hiking up power bills for community groups, families and businesses and putting Australian jobs at risk,” Mr Matheson said.
These investments are part of the Coalition’s policy to support our local communities and environments by investing in the protection of threatened species, parks, nature reserves, coastal and river areas and supporting renewables.
The Macarthur Local Environment Plan also includes a new Green Army project, which will:
• Restore the Cumberland Plains Woodland and grasslands, and assist with its recovery plan;
• Control and removal of woody weeds and grasses, followed by replanting of native habitat;
• Improve Cumberland Plains Woodland with a focus on habitat for winter feeding of the nationally listed Swift Parrot.
The Green Army provides opportunities for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience which will assist them in the future to find jobs, while generating real benefits for the local environment.
The Green Army team will work in partnership with local community groups to deliver the project.
“I look forward to joining with the communities in Campbelltown and St Andrews to witness first-hand the benefits and improvements made to our local environment through the Green Army’s activities,” Mr Matheson said.
The Green Army has been a huge success with 1,145 projects announced nationally and more than 700 projects already rolled out in urban, rural and remote areas.
In Macarthur, seven Green Army projects have already been rolled-out – and 250 projects are completed or underway across New South Wales.
“Russell Matheson is a great local member who regularly talks to me about the environmental needs of his local community. He should be congratulated for advocating for these projects so strongly,” Minister Hunt said.