A re-elected Turnbull-Joyce Government will help community groups in Capricornia to lower their power bills and play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions by providing nearly $100,000 towards the cost of installing solar power.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the Coalition’s Solar Communities Program aimed to help small groups reduce rising power costs as they carry out their work for the good of our local community.
“The Turnbull-Joyce Government’s Solar Communities Program will help Capricornia to install rooftop solar, solar hot water and battery storage systems for community owned buildings,” Ms Landry said.
“So far, six community groups will share in the $100,000 grant pool – each receiving $15,000 to assist with the cost of installing solar power or and solar battery storage.”
The Capricornia groups include:
• Central Queensland Aboriginal Corporation – Rockhampton ($15,000)
• Dreamtime Cultural Centre – Rockhampton ($15,000)
• Emu Park State Emergency Service ($15,000)
• Marlborough State Emergency Services ($15,000)
• Sarina Bowls Club ($15,000)
• Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club ($15,000)
“Each of these groups provides a valuable contribution to the social and cultural fabric of our community and in emergency services,” Ms Landry 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.
“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 Landry said.
“Bill Shorten’s carbon tax is a tax on electricity and will hurt community groups across Australia.”
Environment Minister Greg Hunt 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.