A re-elected Turnbull Government will help community groups in Bruce to lower their power bills and play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions by providing $100,000 towards the cost of installing solar.
“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,” Ms Kroger said.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Ms Helen Kroger Liberal Candidate for Bruce today visited the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dandenong to announce that they will receive $15,000 to assist with the cost of installing solar and battery storage.
“St Mary’s Catholic Church continues to be an integral part of the Greater Dandenong community, providing leadership, spiritual and community support to young and old. With this support, energy costs will be dramatically reduced so that funds can be redirected to social, educational and support programs,” Ms Kroger said.
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 also 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,” Ms Kroger said.
“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.