A re-elected Turnbull Government will help community groups in Bass 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,” Mr Nikolic said.
St Michaels Association was established in 1970 and is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation, providing accommodation and support to Tasmanian people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
“St Michaels provides wonderful facilities for people living with a disability and this renewable power project for their Supported Accommodation Group Home will make a real difference,” Mr Nikolic said.
The Solar Communities Program grant would allow the acquisition of a 10.4 kw Solar PV system including the inverter and electrical work.
“Tasmanians living with disabilities are on low incomes and power bills are the second biggest expense they face. The savings in energy costs will certainly assist with their shared living costs,” Mr Nikolic said.
“And the wood heater currently in place could be removed, reducing emissions and increasing a cleaner environment in the Tamar Valley.”
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.
“Around 350 community groups are expected to benefit from the expanded program, with $5 million available,” Minister Hunt said.
“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 Nikolic 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.