Program promotes smarter energy use

PAGE MP Janelle Saffin has encouraged local councils, businesses, community and not-for-profit organisations to take advantage of a new package of energy efficiency programs, designed to drive smarter energy use.

Ms Saffin said the three new Australian Government programs would allow like-minded groups to partner with each other to become more energy efficient as Australia moved towards a cleaner economy.

"I particularly welcome the $200-million Community Energy Efficiency Program, which will assist local government, not-for-profit and community organisations to undertake energy efficiency upgrades to community infrastructure," she said.

"This is something I have lobbied for in Canberra because I believe that local councils and local communities are well placed to identify and manage these types of projects successfully."  

Other new programs include:

• The $100-million Low Income Energy Efficiency Program, which will work with consortia of assistance and service providers to trial smarter energy use in low income households across Australia.

• The $40-millon Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program, which will support small and medium sized businesses and community groups by providing information and advice to make smarter energy choices.

Ms Saffin said the package of programs would make it easier for regional communities and smaller councils to access assistance and support in becoming more energy efficient in the transition to a low carbon future.

"I welcome today's joint announcement by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet, Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean, and Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus," she said.

The guidelines for each of the programs are available and applications open on February 13. For more information visit: www.climatechange.gov.au