THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON. ANGUS TAYLOR MP
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction
THE HON. TIM WILSON MP
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry
Energy and Emissions Reduction
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
2nd March 2022
Eight community groups are being supported across the Mornington Peninsula to help them increase their energy efficiency, reduce emissions and support local jobs, thanks to the Morrison Government’s Powering Communities Program.
Across the Mornington Peninsula, the following projects were awarded funding:
| Grant Recipient | Project Name | Project Funding |
| Balnarring Picnic Racing Club Inc. | Bar Fridge Replacement | $5,000 |
| Lord Somers Camp & Power House | Upgrade Old Storage Boiler at Lord Somers Camp | $7,000 |
| Southern Peninsula Community Support Inc. | Savings Through Solar | $8,296 |
| Mornington Youth Club | Stadium LED lighting | $9,279 |
| Main Ridge Men’s Shed Inc. | Lighting Upgrade at Main Ridge Men’s Shed | $5,000 |
| Southern Peninsula Community Fund Inc. | Solar Panel Installation | $5,173 |
| The Trustee for the Salvation Army | Solar – Western Port Mission | $10,841 |
| Presentation Sisters Victoria (Presentation Family Centre) | Heat Pump Hot Water Systems | $7,000 |
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said this would help local community groups focus on their work for the community without added worry from energy bills.
“Energy bills are often one of the biggest overheads for volunteer organisations, and these grants will be a welcome boost,” Minister Hunt said.
“With so many groups funded under this program like the Mornington Youth Club and Presentation Family Centre – who have already finished their projects – I look forward to seeing more recipients continuing with the great work they do and creating more local jobs”
“The Morrison Government stays committed to making energy more affordable for families, business and organisations, so Australians can focus on what matters most to them without the stress of high energy bills.”
The grants from the Powering Communities Program will enable the not-for-profit groups to cut their power bills and carbon emissions while supporting local jobs.
Announcing the grant outcomes today, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said that lowering the energy costs of community groups would have positive effects both locally and nationally.
“This funding of between $5,000 and $12,000 to community groups from all the 151 federal electorates of Australia will allow them to spend more on their essential activities,” Minister Taylor said.
“At the same time as these groups are providing increased assistance to their local communities, they will be playing a part in our national efforts to reduce emissions.
“Local jobs will be created through the energy-efficiency measures undertaken by the successful funding applicants under the program.
“These include installing solar panels or a battery, replacing lighting with LEDs, conducting an energy audit and upgrading air conditioners, hot water systems or a refrigerator with more efficient models.
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson said that the grants are part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to increase the nation’s energy efficiency, while meeting and beating our emissions reduction targets.
“The Morrison Government is focused on empowering community groups, businesses and households to be part of our journey to carbon neutrality,” Assistant Minister Wilson said.
“Unlike Labor’s tax-first approach, our focus on technology is helping to lower Australia’s emissions, while also reducing electricity bills.”
Applications for grants under the program opened in March 2021. Each Federal MP, with the assistance of a committee representing the local community, nominated projects and invited groups to apply for the grant funding.
The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources selected the successful applicants after considering them for eligibility and completeness.
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