A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide St Vincent’s de Paul’s Vincent Industries Wynyard with up to $15,000 towards installing solar to help the local community play its part in reducing Australia’s emissions and directly benefit from lower electricity bills.
Federal Member for Braddon Brett Whiteley said 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.
“St Vincent’s de Paul Wynyard is fantastic community based organisation that is a great support to the community of Wynyard through their work and training facility in Vincent Industries.”
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,” Mr Whiteley said.
“Importantly, the installation of new solar panels at St Vincent’s de Paul Wynyard could save the organisation up to $3,000 per annum.”
“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 $3000, 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.
(ENDS)