Coalition provides solar and battery boost and cleaner outboard engines for communities across Fisher

A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide community organisations on the Sunshine Coast seat of Fisher with $100,000, towards installing solar to help the local community play its part in reducing Australia’s emissions and directly benefit from lower electricity bills.
The 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,” Mr Wallace said.
Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club, Caloundra Committee of Services to the Ageing
and Maleny Golf Club will each receive $15,000 towards installing solar PV or battery
systems.
“The Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club is responsible for patrolling the beach
between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. Working closely with Surf Life Saving Queensland
and Surf Life Saving Australia, “Alex” trains its members to become valuable Life Savers who
patrol their patch of beach, teaching them vital lifesaving and resuscitation techniques,” Mr
Wallace said
“Installing a 15KW solar PV system could save the club $6,000 off their electricity bill and
reduce emission by 18 tonnes per annum.”
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.
“Community organisations such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will be able to apply
for funding of up to $15,000,” Minister Hunt said.
“Around 350 community groups 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.”
“Bill Shorten’s carbon tax is a tax on electricity and will hurt community groups across
Australia.”
By contrast, the Coalition is 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.
Only the Coalition is committed to tackling climate change without a job-destroying carbon
tax.
“Australian surf lifesavers play an essential role in protecting Australian lives and supporting
their local communities” Mr Wallace said.
The Coalition will provide $1 million to support upgrades to cleaner outboard engines used
by our surf lifesavers across Australia, to help them purchase cleaner engines and reduce
their running costs through lower fuel use. Grants will be up to $1,000 per outboard.
“Clubs such as Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club will be able to receive grants to help
them upgrade their engines from 2 stroke to 4 stroke,” Mr Wallace said.
“We are committed to working with the community and engine manufacturers and
distributors to ensure all Australians have access to cleaner outboards and other engines.
Adopting cleaner engines reduces air pollution and can save around 750,000 tonnes of
greenhouse emissions to 2030,” Minister Hunt said.
The Coalition is committed to practical local action to tackle climate change, and improve air
quality for the community.