JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON JULIE COLLINS MP, MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS
SENATOR THE HON JENNY MCALLISTER, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR
Four local businesses in Ipswich will soon be more energy efficient, thanks to nearly $100,000 in support from the Albanese Labor Government’s Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs Program.
Ipswich Jets Leagues Club in North Ipswich received a $25,000 grant for lighting upgrades, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls, and Raceview Hotel (formerly known as the Raceview Tavern) has received $25,000 to install air conditioner controls and power factor devices under the new program.
In addition, WOW! Mobility & Rehab mobility equipment supplier in Booval received a $20,102 grant to improve their lighting and overall energy efficiency, while new Springfield car and dog wash business Sparkletown was allocated $25,000 for a solar viability assessment.
Across the country, 690 businesses have received grants to invest in energy performance technology and make every watt count as part of a $16 million investment in the first round of program.
Other successful projects include upgrades to energy management systems and refrigeration, installing energy monitoring systems, replacing conventional air conditioning units with high-efficiency models, and transitioning heating boilers to heat pumps.
The Albanese Government is committed to delivering cheaper, cleaner energy to more Australian businesses.
In addition to the Energy Efficiency Grants Program, this financial year up to 3.9 million businesses could benefit from the Small Business Energy Incentive, while all businesses will benefit from the National Energy Performance Strategy, which will set a forward trajectory for businesses to lower their energy use.
Minister for Small Business Julie Collins said the grants provided vital support for businesses to become more energy efficient and ease pressure on their energy bills.
“We know energy costs are a significant part of many small business budgets, so we know this practical support will be welcomed,” Minister Collins said.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that backs small business, and these grants are just one part of our broader agenda in this area.
“They underline the Albanese Labor Government’s continuing commitment to ease cost-of-living pressures for Australian small businesses doing it tough, by putting downward pressure on their energy costs.”
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister said supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to increase their uptake of energy efficient technologies would give them more choice over their energy use and help them reduce their emissions.
"We’re determined to make every watt count and these grants offer vital support to our SMEs, helping them lower energy use while reducing their carbon footprint.
“This is just another example of the Albanese Government helping small businesses, councils, and households access technology that will help cut their power bills,” Assistant Minister McAllister said.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann welcomed the funding and congratulated the successful recipients.
“It’s great to see some popular local venues in Jets and Raceview Hotel, and both new and established businesses in Sparkletown and WOW! Mobility receiving grants. I’m really thrilled with this announcement and glad we have been able to help them out in this way.
“It’s great that small and medium sized businesses are being provided support to boost their energy efficiency, which will help take the sting out of their power bills.
“I know this program was very popular, so I’m glad there will be a second round early next year, and I encourage local businesses in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area to consider applying when it opens,” Mr Neumann said.
The second round of grants will open in early 2024. For more information about the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs program visit https://business.gov.au/eegsme
