7 Mar 2022
Powering community groups in Mayo | Media Release
Joint Media Release
THE HON ANGUS TAYLOR MP
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction
THE HON TIM WILSON MP
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry,
Energy and Emissions Reduction
SENATOR ANDREW MCLACHLAN CSC
Senator for South Australia
The Morrison Government is supporting community groups across Mayo to help them increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Nine projects have received more than $65,000 in grant funding as part of the Powering CommunitiesProgram that will enable not-for-profit groups to cut their power bills and carbon emissions while supporting local jobs.
Projects funded in Mayo are:
• Yankalilla Bowling Club: Powering Community and Efficiency Project ($5000)
• Callington Recreation Park Inc: Solar energy system for new Callington Recreation Community Centre ($6000)
• Kangarilla Football Club: Installation of rooftop solar system on recreation ground clubrooms ($10,000)
• Milang & District Historical Society: Efficient energy upgrade for the Lakeside Men's Shed and Museum in Milang ($5863)
• Country Life Compassion: Installation of solar panels ($6452)
• Nature Glenelg Pty Ltd: Solar battery system for the Southern Bell Frog Conservation Facility ($7500)
• Oakbank Soldiers Memorial Hall: Solar electricity installation ($8172)
• Stirling Community Theatre Management Committee: Lighting upgrade ($9730)
• Kingscote Football Club: Installation of a solar system ($6610).
Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan CSC 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,” Senator McLachlan said.
“This funding will ensure these groups can continue their fantastic community work and importantly, is directed to support practical measures which 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. In this way, we can all work towards cutting carbon emissions.
“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, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said that lowering the energy costs of community groups would have positive effects both locally and nationally.
“This funding of between $5,000 and $12,000 to community groups from all the 151 federal electorates of Australia will allow them to spend more on their essential activities,” Minister Taylor 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.
“These include installing solar panels or a battery, replacing lighting with LEDs, conducting an energy audit and upgrading air conditioners, hot water systems or a refrigerator with more efficient models.
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson said that the grants are part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to increase the nation’s energy efficiency while meeting and beating our emissions reduction targets.
“The Morrison Government is focused on empowering community groups, businesses and households to be part of our journey to carbon neutrality,” Assistant Minister Wilson said.
“Unlike Labor’s tax-first approach, our focus on technology is helping to lower Australia’s emissions, while also reducing electricity bills.”
Applications for grants under the program opened in March 2021. Each Federal MP, with the assistance of a committee representing the local community, nominated projects and invited groups to apply for the grant funding.
The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources selected the successful applicants after considering them for eligibility and completeness.