$3m in energy funding for Qld community groups

Community groups in Queensland are being offered a significant financial incentive to participate in the state’s renewable energy transition.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon has announced that $3 million will be on offer for community-based organisations to help them install batteries, solar panels and other energy-efficient systems that will also enable them reduce their power bills.

“The Palaszczuk government has announced the most ambitious action on climate change and renewables in our state’s history, and Queensland community groups are eager to do their bit too,” Scanlon said.

“Queensland’s $62 billion energy and jobs plan will see emissions from energy cut by 90% by 2035. More than 700,000 households and small businesses have installed rooftop solar, and now the cornerstones of our communities can take part in the action.”

Scanlon’s announcement follows the government’s recent awarding of funding for renewables and energy-efficient devices to close to 40 community groups across the state. These included the Cairns BMX Club, which received $30,000 to purchase and install solar panels and a battery at its clubhouse, and Communify Queensland Ltd, which received $35,400 to replace light fixtures in the Newmarket community space and to purchase a new energy-efficient freezer and heat pump to reduce energy costs.

“Our community groups do such great work with the services they provide, and through this funding they’ll be able to install renewable energy systems such as solar panels or small-scale wind generators, purchase energy-efficient hot water systems or whitegoods, or replace lighting with energy-efficient alternatives,” Scanlon said.

Funding will open soon, with details on how to apply to be published on the Department of Environment and Science (DES) website.

For more information on how the Queensland Government is investing in renewables and climate action, visit https://www.des.qld.gov.au/climateaction.

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