THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON. TIM WILSON MP
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry,
Energy and Emissions Reduction
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
13th January 2022
GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE MAKERS ACROSS THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
From today, small and medium sized food and beverage makers across the Mornington Peninsula can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to become more energy efficient – under the latest $19.9 million round of the Energy Efficient Communities (EEC) program.
The grants can be used to replace existing equipment with more energy efficient models, carry out energy audits, or improve energy monitoring and management to save money on energy bills.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said the funding will help manufacturing businesses lower their power bills and emissions.
“From our many wineries to our local bakeries and growers, the Mornington Peninsula is graced with some of the best food and drink makers Australia has to offer,” Minister Hunt said.
“These grants will help our food and beverage manufacturers take the stress out of their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, as part of securing Australia’s carbon neutral future.”
“I look forward to seeing local businesses across the Peninsula benefiting from the Morrison’s Government commitment to back business as part of our journey to becoming carbon neutral”
The food and beverage manufacturing industry is the largest manufacturing sector in Australia, contributing around $22.4 billion to the economy. The Australian Government is supporting this vital sector of the economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson said the program targets food and beverage manufacturers, which include some of the most energy intensive small and medium businesses in Australia.
“It’s because they’re the engine room of the economy employing 1 in 4 manufacturing workers, that the Morrison Government is backing food and beverage manufacturers to be competitive through grants to lower their power costs and slash emissions as part of the solution to Australia’s carbon neutral future,” Assistant Minister Wilson said.
“Reducing needless energy consumption also cuts emissions and is at the heart of the Morrison Government’s focus on technology, not taxes, because it boosts competitiveness, creates new jobs and reduces Australia’s environmental footprint.”
Applications close on 18 February 2022 or earlier if funding is exhausted prior.
More information, grant guidelines and application forms are available at www.business.gov.au/EECFB, or telephone on 13 28 46.
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