COALITION PROVIDES $160,000 SOLAR AND BATTERY STORAGE BOOST FOR COMMUNITIES ACROSS BONNER

A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide community groups across Bonner with $160,000 towards installing solar and battery storage to help the local community play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions and directly benefit from lower electricity bills.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta is delivering new solar infrastructure for community organisations such as Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed, the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association and Wynnum Baptist Church.

“The expanded Solar Communities program will provide funding for groups across Australia to install rooftop solar PV, solar hot water and battery storage systems for community owned buildings. For community groups in Bonner, $100,000 will be available in addition to $60,000 already committed,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s been a pleasure to introduce Minister for Environment the Hon. Greg Hunt MP to the Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed and the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association today,” Vasta said.

The Turnbull Government is investing in the environment and recognises the important role community and household solar plays in Australia’s transition to a low emissions economy with an increase in renewable energy.

“Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed estimates its new 10KW solar system could save over $6,000 per year in lower electricity costs,” Mr Vasta said.

“Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association’s 17.94KW solar PV system could save $7,500 in lower electricity costs per annum and around 21 tonnes of emissions per annum,” Minister Hunt said.

Around 350 community groups such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will benefit from the expanded solar communities program, with $5 million available.

“Unlike Labor, the Coalition Government is committed to tackling climate change without hiking up power bills for community groups, families and businesses and putting Australian jobs at risk,” Minister Hunt said.

“Bill Shorten’s carbon tax is a tax on electricity and will hurt community groups across Australia. By contrast, we are 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 $3,000, 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,” Minister Hunt said.