A re-elected Turnbull Government will help the Endeavour Foundation in Maroochydore to lower their power bills and play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions by providing $15,000 towards the cost of installing solar.
“The Solar Communities program provides funding for groups across Australia to install rooftop solar PV, solar hot water and battery storage systems for community owned buildings,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Endeavour Foundation in Maroochydore is a great local community organisation which provides intensive specialised education, training, and supported-employment to
85 individuals with disabilities.”
“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,” Mr O’Brian 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.
“The addition of solar panels at Endeavour Foundation’s supported employment service in Maroochydore is good for the environment but also helps ensure we can continue providing training and meaningful employment people with a disability in the long term,” Endeavour Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Donne said.
“By harnessing the power of the sun we can significantly reduce our running costs, ensuring more vital funding is available for support and training to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
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.