Gilmore and E-Monaro benefit from the latest Powering Communities Program round

The Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance is among seven community groups across the Gilmore electorate to share in more than $67,500 in federal funding to help them increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The Powering Communities Program provides each of the 151 Federal electorates with $67,700 to fund small projects. These projects aim to assist community organisations improve their energy efficiency practices and lower their energy bills. Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) identify potential projects and invite applications from their electorate. Solar power systems were a very common project to appear in the winners list, with 545 mentions. Battery storage also put in a good showing, with 72 mentions – at times combined with solar panels. Community consultation is a critical element of the program. In consultation with their community, each MP must identify potential applicants and projects in their electorate and invite them to apply for a grant. Invited applications will be assessed against the program’s eligibility criteria through a closed non-competitive process.

Each electorate has total funding of up to $67,700 that can be allocated to successful applications. A maximum of 12 projects will be funded in each electorate. To be eligible an applicant must be invited to apply by their MP. In the case of Gilmore the Federal MP is Fiona Phillips and in Eden Monaro, Kristy McBain MP.

Federal member for Eden Monaro, Kristy McBain, said of the grants:

"Our community has felt the impact of our changing climate, we are beyond ready to make the energy transition needed.

I am determined to make sure no one is left behind as we make that adjustment. This grants program is one of many ways our community needs to be supported.

$67,700 is available to fund up to 12 projects in every electorate, including right here in Eden-Monaro."

Fiona Phillips advised her electorate of Gilmore that the program aims to save energy and reduce power bills through:

• Upgrading equipment to reduce energy consumption

• Undertaking energy management activities and assessments, such as energy systems assessments and feasibility studies

• Investing in energy monitoring and management systems

• Investing in on-site renewable energy and solar-connected batteries

Advising that Eligible projects could include:

• Installing solar PV systems and solar-connected batteries

• Replacing some energy using equipment with new, more efficient equipment

• Energy audits and monitoring equipment
  

The intention of the Powering Communities Program is that lowering the energy costs of community groups would have positive effects both locally and nationally and that local jobs will be created through the energy-efficiency measures undertaken by the successful funding applicants under the program.

These jobs might include installing solar panels or a battery, replacing lighting with LEDs, conducting an energy audit and upgrading air conditioners, hot water systems or a refrigerator with more efficient models. How can we solve the climate crisis and invest in local jobs?

Fiona Phillips will be hosting a panel discussion with Chris Bowen, Shadow Minister for Climate and Energy and key local leaders this coming Thursday 10 March 5:15pm at the Moruya Golf Club to dig deeper into the impacts of climate change locally and find out more about Labor's vision to power Australia with clean energy, create local jobs and tackle the climate crisis. The Powering Communities Program recipient Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance will be on the panel to take questions.

RSVP essential: https://www.fionaphillips.com.au/.../climate-jobs-forum/