10 Mar 2022

Grants aim to reduce community groups’ emissions │ Southern Argus

Milang, Strathalbyn and Callington community groups will share in more than $65,000 of grant funding to help them increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

The Powering Communities Program grants will enable nine not-for-profit groups to cut their power bills and carbon emissions, while also supporting local jobs, through key projects.

The local recipients include:

• Country Life Compassion: $6452 to install solar panels.

• Milang and District Historical Society: $5863 foran efficient energy upgrade of the Lakeside Men’s Shed and Museum.

• The Callington RecreationPark Incorporated: $6000 for a solar energy system for the Callington Recreation Community Centre.

• Kangarilla Football Club: $10,000 to install a rooftop solar system on the recreation ground clubrooms.

Senator for South Australia, Andrew McLachlan, said the funding was an important way to help local community groups reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills.

“Energy bills are often one of the biggest overheads for volunteer organisations, and these grants will be a welcome boost,” he said.

“This funding will ensure these groups can continue their fantastic community work, and importantly, is directed to support practical measures that will reduce their carbon footprint.

“We must all find ways to reduce our impact on the natural environment, and encourage an uptake in climate-friendly technologies.

“Programs such as this highlight the important role we can all play as environmental stewards of the natural world to preserve our planet for the benefit of those who will come after us.”

Announcing the grant outcomes, Federal Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said lowering the energy costs of community groups would have positive effects both locally and nationally.

“This funding of between  $ 5 0 0 0 a n d $ 1 2 ,0 0 0 to  community groups from all 151 federal electorates of Australia will allow them to spend more on their essential activities,” he 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.”

View source