JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH SARAH HENDERSON MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CORANGAMITE
Community groups in Victoria’s Surf Coast shire are now able to apply for grants through the Solar Towns Programme.
“These grants are part of a commitment by the Government to install renewable energy systems on buildings that provide support for the local community,” Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson MP said.
“The programme will give communities in Surf Coast shire an opportunity to engage at a local level with clean renewable energy, improve local environments, generate a sense of community ownership and self reliance and improve local community outcomes,” she said.
“I am a very strong supporter of renewable energy. This program reinforces our government’s strong support of the renewable energy industry. It will also deliver some real benefits to solar installation and other small businesses across the Surf Coast.”
Up to $300,000 will be made available this financial year to community groups in the shire to assist with the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic panels, solar hot water systems or heat pump hot water systems.
“The Government will provide community groups with up to $20,000 each to install systems on the roofs of the buildings they own, rent, lease or use to support their group,” said Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt.
“I strongly encourage community groups such as sports clubs, service clubs and community health services to consider making an application”.
This round of grants closes on 20 February 2015. Further calls for applications in other regions will be made next year.
Some community groups are already receiving funding under this programme as part of a commitment by the Government to install renewable energy systems on a number of pre-selected community sites.
Further information about the programme, including guidelines and how to apply, is available at www.environment.gov.au/solar-towns.
(ENDS)