HELPING RIVERINA AND CENTRAL WEST HOTELS LOWER THEIR POWER BILLS

The Federal Government is supporting hotels in the Riverina and Central West to lower power bills.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said hotels, motels and serviced apartments complexes with up to 99 rooms throughout the Riverina and Central West would be able to access grants for energy-saving projects.

“COVID-19 has been devastating for a number of industries but particularly the hospitality sector,” Mr McCormack said.

“The $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program gives hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms access to grants of up to $25,000 so they can improve their energy efficiency.

“This money can go towards upgrades such as installing window glazing, air-conditioning, refrigeration and energy-efficient lighting or investing in monitoring systems to better manage their energy use, meaning they can further invest in their business and employ more local people, including electricians carpenters, engineers and plumbers.

“Some 80 per cent of small to medium hotels are in the regions, which means this great initiative will provide significant support for regional Australians.

“The Federal Government knows energy costs are one of the biggest overheads for publicans and hotel owners which is why this program is such a great initiative to help businesses recover from the economic effects of the pandemic.”

The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget as part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will back jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Applications open on 24 February 2021 and will close on 1 April 2021 (or earlier, if funding is exhausted). To view the program guidelines, visit: www.business.gov.au.

There are a limited number of grants available and time of application will be considered in the assessments. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.