By ALANA MITCHELSON
LANG LANG Fire Brigade is set to receive a $5800 grant towards the installation of solar power should the Turnbull Government be re-elected.
The Coalition has committed $100,000 to help community groups in the Flinders electorate lower their power bills and play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions.
Federal Member for Flinders and Environment Minister Greg Hunt said the Solar Communities program would provide funding grants to groups across the country to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV), solar hot water and battery storage systems for community-owned buildings.
Mr Hunt visited Lang Lang CFA on Friday 17 June to announce the election promise for a $5800 grant to assist with the cost of installing solar battery storage.
“Lang Lang and Tooradin fire brigades are pillars of the community, so it is terrific that they are helping the environment while reducing electricity bills through the addition of solar power,” Mr Hunt 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.
“I am thrilled that 17 groups in my electorate will benefit from $5800 grants through the Solar Communities program.”
Lang Lang CFA, Kooweerup Men’s Shed and Tooradin Fire Brigade would be among 350 community groups across Australia to benefit from the funding, with $5 million available to help them fund solar projects.
Mr Hunt said Australia had the highest proportion of households with solar panels in the world – about 15 per cent.
“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 Hunt said.
“The Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target provides an average rebate for a solar system of $3000, or about 30 per cent of the installation cost.
“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.
“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 1000 new energy efficiency homes.“
