A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide community groups across in Petrie with $100,000 towards installing solar panels and battery storage.
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth MP said he was excited local community organisation would get the opportunity to install solar, to lower electricity costs and help reduce emissions.
“It’s been a pleasure to introduce Minister for Environment the Hon. Greg Hunt MP to the Patriots Moreton Bay, which is one of the organisations that will benefit from the Solar Communities program.”
“The program will not only encourage clean energy use, but will mean Aspley Memorial Bowls will be able to put more money into the club instead of paying electricity bills.”
Environment Minister the Hon Greg Hunt MP said the Turnbull Government is investing in the environment “and recognises the important role community and household solar plays in Australia’s transition to a low emissions economy”.
“Patriots Moreton Bay will use the grant to invest in a solar PV system. A 5 kilowatt solar PV system could save the organisation $2,000 in electricity costs per annum and around 6 tonnes of emissions per annum,” Mr Hunt said.
Around 350 community groups such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will benefit from the expanded program, with $5 million available.
“Unlike Labor, the Coalition Government is committed to tackling climate change without hiking up power bills for community groups, families and businesses and putting Australian jobs at risk,” Minister Hunt said.
“Bill Shorten’s carbon tax is a tax on electricity and will hurt community groups across Australia. By contrast, we are committed to supporting community groups with our expanded Solar Communities program.”
“Under the Turnbull Government, half a million households and businesses have already made the switch to solar,” Minister Hunt said.
Australia has the highest proportion of households with solar panels in the world – about 15 per cent.
The Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target provides for an average rebate for a solar system of $3,000, or about 30 per cent of the installation cost.
“We have also established a $250 million Community Housing Program to help lower costs for low income families and residents through the construction of up to 1,000 new energy efficiency homes.
“We have established a $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund to support the latest technology which will transform our renewable energy use over the coming decade.
“Only the Coalition is committed to tackling climate change without a job-destroying carbon tax,” Minister Hunt said.
Funding for these projects have been provided for from within existing budget resources.