Lowering energy costs for community groups in Bonner

Community groups across Bonner will be supported by a new Morrison Government program to lower energy costs, support local jobs and help reduce global emissions.

The Powering Communities Program will fund up to 12 projects worth a total of $67,700 in Bonner, with grants of between $5000 and $12,000 available to eligible community organisations, with no co-contribution required.

The grant will assist groups to lower their energy bills by installing solar panels or a battery, upgrading air conditioners, hot water systems or a refrigerator with more efficient models, replacing lighting with LEDs or conducting an energy audit.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said when not-for-profit groups invested in their community, it helped local economies to grow and support local jobs.

“Energy bills are often one of the biggest overheads for not-for-profit organisations,” Mr Vasta said.

“Whether it’s a sports club, a senior citizens club or a charity group, by helping to reduce power bills, the grants will ease the financial pressure these organisations face so they can better focus on meeting the needs of our local community.

“Our community groups have done it tough during COVID-19 and I know this program will help them to do what they do best, which is serve and support the community.”

Mr Vasta said Bonner community groups interested in applying, can submit an expression of interest to his office by April 22, 2021.

The Powering Communities Program will help community groups across Bonner get control of their energy use, while helping to play a part in reducing global emissions and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

Further information on the program, including eligibility guidelines, is available at business.gov.au or by phoning 13 28 46.

Download an EOI form here:

Powering Communities Program_2021_Qld_Bonner_VastaR

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Helping community groups in Bonner lower power bills

The Morrison Government is supporting community groups to lower their power bills and play their part in helping to reduce Australia’s emissions.

Across Australia, not-for-profit community groups have been awarded grants of up to $12,500 for energy-saving projects under the Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was pleased to announce the Wynnum Manly Employment and Training Association, and the St Mark’s Lutheran Pre-School and Child Care Association were successful recipients in his electorate of Bonner.

“Energy Bills are often one of the biggest overheads for volunteer organisations, and we want to help ease some of the financial pressures facing our hard-working community groups,” Mr Vasta said.

“St Marks Lutheran Pre-School received a $11,364 grant and Wynnum Manly Employment and Training Association received $6000 to support their energy saving projects, which can include installing a solar system, upgrading to more energy efficient equipment, or having an energy audit done on their premises.”

Mr Vasta said the more these groups could save on running costs, the more they could spend supporting their communities.

The Energy Efficient Communities Program was announced as part of the Government’s Climate Solutions Package in the 2019 Budget.

The program will deliver grants to help businesses and community organisations to improve energy efficiency practices and technologies, and better manage energy consumption to reduce their power bills.

In addition to grants for community organisations, the program will provide $10 million for dairy farming businesses, $9 million for small businesses and $15 million for high energy-using businesses.

For more information on the Energy Efficient Communities Program visit energy.gov.au

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Harnessing new technology to lower emissions

Investing in low emissions technologies to strengthen our economy and support jobs and businesses is a Morrison Government priority as we navigate the road to recovery from COVID-19.

The government has released the Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper to bring a strategic and system-wide view on future investments in low emissions technologies.

With an opportunity to develop new industries and jobs, investing in new and emerging low-emission technologies is a win for the economy and a win for the environment.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Technology Investment Roadmap was the next step in the Morrison Government’s technology not taxes approach to reducing emissions.

“We are focused on putting Australia at the forefront of research and development and maintaining our strong track record of reducing global emissions,” Mr Vasta said.

“Emissions are lower today than when we were elected in 2013 and deploying the right technology when and where it is needed will allow Australia to capture new opportunities to reduce emissions even further.

“Real action on technology, not taxes, is the pathway to further remissions reduction here and around the world.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said there was enormous potential in technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, soil carbon sequestration, biofuels, resources and energy exports to reduce emissions while strengthening our economy.

“This is about developing technologies to support jobs growth and this is also about ensuring mums and dads and small businesses are paying a fair cost for energy, and not imposing taxes on them,” Minister Taylor said.

“At its core, this is about technology not taxes.

“It means reducing emissions, not reducing jobs and the economy and it is an approach based on rigour, confidence, optimism, and Australian ingenuity not ideology.

“The alternative is to sign up to long term targets without a clear plan, an approach that will penalise energy-intensive industries and reduce economic activity.”

The Roadmap goals will be developed in consultation with industry, researchers and the financial sector, with progress reported through an annual Low Emissions Technology Statement.

The Roadmap will be a cornerstone of Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Strategy, to be released ahead of COP26.

The Government has already made substantial investments in clean energy technology, with more than $10 billion invested in more than 670 clean energy projects with a total project value in excess of $35 billion.

To contribute to this important national conversation or learn more about the Roadmap process, visit https://consult.industry.gov.au/climate-change/technology-investment-roadmap/.

Written submissions are open until Sunday 21 June 2020.

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COALITION TO DELIVER SOLAR BOOST FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS IN BONNER

A re-elected Turnbull Government will help community groups in Bonner to lower their power bills and play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions by providing $100,000 towards the cost of installing solar.

“The 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,” Mr Vasta said.

Gateway Church in Carindale will receive $15,000 to assist with the cost of installing solar.

“Gateway Church provides a vital space for residents in Carindale and surrounding areas to practise their faith, while also offering valuable learning programs to young people,” Mr Vasta said.

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

“Community organisations such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will also be able to apply for funding of up to $15,000,” Minister Hunt said.

“Around 350 community groups are expected to benefit from the expanded program, with $5 million available.”

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

“Bill Shorten’s carbon tax is a tax on electricity and will hurt community groups across Australia.”

By contrast, the Coalition is 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 $3000, 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.

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COALITION TO DELIVER SOLAR BOOST FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS IN BONNER

A re-elected Turnbull Government will help community groups in Bonner to lower their power bills and play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions by providing $100,000 towards the cost of installing solar.

“The 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,” Mr Vasta said.

Wynnum & District Rugby Union Club and Wynnum Manly District Meals on Wheels and Community Centre will each receive $15,000 to assist with the cost of installing solar.

“Wynnum & District Rugby Union Club is an important central hub for sports on the Bayside with an important heritage,” Mr Vasta said.

“Wynnum Manly District Meals on Wheels and Community Centre provides a much-valued service to the community, cooking, preparing and delivering hot meals to people in need and helping them maintain their independence and stay in their own homes for longer.”

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

“Community organisations such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will also be able to apply for funding of up to $15,000,” Minister Hunt said.

“Around 350 community groups are expected to benefit from the expanded program, with $5 million available.”

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

“Bill Shorten’s carbon tax is a tax on electricity and will hurt community groups across Australia.”

By contrast, the Coalition is 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 $3000, 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.

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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.

PROJECTS IN BONNER:

Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed — $22,612 — 10KW Solar PV system and upgrading electrical infrastructure
Wynnum Baptist Church — $20,000 — 24.96KW Solar PV system
Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association — $18,136 — 17.94KW Solar PV System

 

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