Federal Member for Hindmarsh, Matt Williams, was joined by Environment Minister Greg Hunt to announce eight community organisations in Hindmarsh will share in $100,000 towards installing solar and battery storage systems.
The solar grants will help the local community play its part in reducing Australia’s emissions while also benefiting from lower electricity bills.
“Many clubs and community groups have spoken to me about the difficulty they face paying their electricity bills,” Mr Williams said.
“South Australians already pay well above the national average for electricity and the solar panels will help the clubs and community groups face the challenge of rising power costs.”
“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.”
“I am very pleased to be joined by Minister Hunt to congratulate the community organisations that are environmentally conscious and have successfully applied for this funding program.”
“A re-elected Coalition Government will deliver further rounds of this important programme which will help more clubs and community groups in Hindmarsh deal with the increased cost of electricity.”
Organisations in Hindmarsh that will receive up to $15,000 to install solar under the Solar Communities Program include:
• Aspitech Recycling and Waste Management, Underdale
• Christian Family Centre, Seaton
• Flinders Park Football Club, Flinders Park
• Fulham Cricket Club, Kidman Park
• Islamic Society of South Australia, Park Holme
• Lakes Sports & Community Club, West Lakes Shore
• West Lakes Sports Club, West Lakes
• Western Youth Centre, Cowandilla
“We are delighted to receive this solar power boost for Aspitech,” said Cathy Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Minda.
“Not only does it align perfectly to our e-waste business and ‘our environmental focus’ , but it also means we can reinvest precious funds, that would otherwise have paid power bills, towards our supported employees living with disability.”
Around 350 community groups around Australia such as sporting clubs, churches, and scouts would benefit from the expanded Solar Communities Program, with $5 million available for solar grants.
“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.”
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.