Community organisations in the New England are urged to submit an expression of interest for grant opportunities available for small-scale solar projects and initiatives for the environment.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Communities Environment Program is providing up to $150,000 to each Federal electorate in 2019-20 for priorities such as wetlands protection, riverbanks and waterways, protecting native animals, reducing waste and litter, and greening local parks. Eligible organisations include community clubs like Rotary Clubs, Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups and schools.
This program is modelled on the Government’s successful Stronger Communities program and each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
Community groups are also invited to apply for the Coalition Government’s Solar Communities program, which provides grants of up to $12,500 for eligible community organisations for small-scale solar energy generation and storage projects.
Eligible organisations include welfare centres, men’s sheds, community centres, women’s associations, community football and netball clubs, scout and guide groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups.
Eligible small businesses will be able to claim grants of up to $20,000 and, high-energy using businesses up to $25,000. Grants could be used to fund the replacement of lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration systems to help reduce energy costs.
“What we need is the right balance of energy generation in this country, a mix of the old and new,” Mr Joyce said.
“These grants are also about building on the millions of dollars in funding already being rolled out for environmental projects around the electorate including research into soil carbon, resilient grazing; lantana and blackberry control measures and rehabilitation of native fish populations in the Border Rivers.”
Organisations seeking to apply for this funding should contact Mr Joyce’s electorate office on 02 6761 3080 or email: barnaby.joyce.mp@aph.gov.au to request an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form. But hurry EOIs close 5pm Thursday, March 28.
(ENDS)