A re-elected Turnbull Government will help community groups in Bendigo to lower their power bills and play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions by providing $531,674 towards the cost of installing solar.
Under stage one of the Coalition’s Central Victoria Environment Plan, thirty community organisations will share in more than $431,000 through the Solar Towns programme to solar PV panels and solar hot water systems on their buildings. In addition, $100,000 will be available under new Solar Communities Programme.
“These grants are part of the Coalition’s commitment to install renewable energy systems on buildings that are used by community organisations,” Ms Purcell said.
“Together, the 30 announced projects will deliver around 341 kilowatts of clean, renewable energy, which can help these hard-working community organisations lower their electricity bills by around $143,000 per annum. It is also a great result for the environment reducing emission by around 450 tonnes per annum,” Minister Hunt said.
“These organisations continue to give back to the community and it’s great to be able to assist them with the uptake of renewable energy.”
Installing solar PV panel systems on the buildings used by these groups will deliver benefits to the community and the environment by saving energy, reducing emissions and lowering electricity bills.
Funding for community solar projects is part of the Coalition’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is an opportunity for communities to engage with clean renewable energy.
“An 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,” Minister Hunt said
“Community organisations such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will also be able to apply for funding of up to $15,000.”
“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,” Ms Purcell said.
“Bill Shorten’s carbon tax is a tax on electricity and will hurt community groups across Australia,” Ms Purcell said.
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.