Community organisations will get help to reduce their power bills through the Morrison Government’s $5 million Solar Communities program which is part of new Energy Efficient Communities Program.

A $5 million Solar Communities programme support grants of up to $12,500 for eligible community organisations to apply for funding for small-scale solar energy generation and storage projects.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Morrison Government understood community groups were struggling under the weight of energy bills.

“That’s why we’re taking strong steps to ensure they get the practical support that they need,” he said.

“We are investing in them, so they can invest in their local communities.

“These grants are part of the Morrison Government’s $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure we meet our 2030 Climate Commitments.”

Minister for the Environment the Hon Melissa Price MP said the Government was committed to helping businesses and communities to play their role in a sustainable future for the environment.

“The Morrison Government believes in developing practical ways of working with people rather than taxing them – supporting solar generation will reduce emissions and help community groups manage their power bills,” Minister Price said.

A wide range of organisations that work hard to support our community will be eligible to apply. Examples include community owned kindergartens, welfare centres, Men’s Sheds, community centres, women’s associations, country fire authorities, community owned child care centres, community football and netball clubs, Scout or Guide groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups and surf lifesaving clubs.

Community Organisations will be able to submit expressions of interest (EoI) for the program from 4 March 2019.

Through the Energy Efficient Communities Program, eligible small businesses will also be able to claim grants of up to $20,000, high-energy using businesses up to $25,000.

The Morrison Government remains committed to ensuring customers remain at the centre of its energy policy. Promoting efficient energy usage is an important part of this plan.

Download Small Business EOI form here- EECP_Small Business Grants_Form_QLD_VastaR

Download Community Group EOI form here- EECP_Solar Communities Grants_Form_QLD_VastaR

The Liberal National Government will provide $268 million to continue support for Australians battling alcohol and drug issues.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the funding over three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22 will be provided to regionally based Primary Health Networks (PHNs), providers of residential and non-residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation programs, alcohol and peak drug organisations and other national activities already supported by our Government.

• From 1 July 2019, PHNs across Australia will receive $45 million a year for alcohol and other drug treatment services which will provide stability to services and meet the needs of local communities.
• Withdrawal management and rehabilitation services currently receiving Government funding can apply for a share of $29 million a year in continued funding to provide evidence-based treatment services for individuals most in need.
• Four national research centres will receive $24 million over three years to continue to undertake research into alcohol and other drug issues including the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, the Centre for Youth Substance Research and the National Drug Research Institute.
• Additionally, funding of $4.9 million a year will continue for alcohol and peak drug organisations and complementary national treatment sector capacity building activities.

“Metro South Region which delivers for residents in Bonner will receive more than $1.4 million with $152,000 dedicated for Bonner. This is great news for constituents in Bonner who need assistance.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said this announcement provides continuity of important drug and alcohol treatment and support services and complements state and territory funding.

“As a new initiative, our Government has committed $7.2 million over 2 years to pilot a take-home naloxone (THN) program in Australia,” Minister Hunt said.

“In partnership with the States and Territories, a THN program will expand availability of naloxone to a range of additional settings frequently accessed by at-risk groups.”

“Concurrent to the pilot, the Commonwealth has provided over $100,000 funding to the Burnett Institute to undertake research, with the National Drug Research Institute, into the key principles and features of a nationally consistent THN model in Australia.”

“The findings of this research will complement the ‘on the ground’ findings of the pilot, which will enable the THN model to be refined to a national rollout.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said communities like ours in Bonner can be hit hard by substance misuse. Its effects are felt deeply and can continue for years.

“Alcohol and drug misuse doesn’t just affect the person. It affects families, friends and the surrounding community,” Mr Vasta said.

“We know that people impacted by alcohol and drugs need to be able to access appropriate support when and where they need it. This funding will help provide this access.”

“For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.”