A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide community groups across the electorate of Brisbane with $100,000 towards installing solar and battery storage to help the local community play its part in reducing Australia’s emissions and directly benefit from lower electricity bills.
“The expanded 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 Evans said.
Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, and Liberal candidate for Brisbane, Trevor Evans, announced the first $80,000 of grants today at Communify in Bardon.
“Communify is a multi-service organisation which provides a range of programs and activities for families and individuals in the community to enhance their quality of life, including socially, physically, intellectually and emotionally disadvantaged and vulnerable people.” Mr Evans 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 with an increase in renewable energy.”
Communify Queensland Bardon Centre, will receive a $10,000 grant to invest in a new solar PV system.
“A solar PV system of 10 kilowatt hour for Communify Queensland Bardon Centre, could save the organisation $4,000 in lower electricity costs per annum and reduce emissions by around 12 tonnes per annum,” Minister Hunt said
In addition to Communify Queensland Bardon Centre, the Coalition will provide $10,000 grants to community organisations in Brisbane including Grange Thistle Soccer Club, Grange Bowls and Community Club, Enoggera Bowls Sports & Community Club, Communify Queensland – The Paddington Centre, Communify Queensland – Spring Hill, Oakleigh Scout Group and Brothers Rugby Club.
“The organisations give back to the community and it is an honour to help give back to them through lowering electricity bills,” Mr Evans 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.