CUTTING ENERGY COSTS FOR RIVERINA AND CENTRAL WEST HOTELS

Hotels across the Riverina and Central West are receiving support from the Federal Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business and employ more Australians.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Riverina and Central West hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes with up to 99 rooms were eligible for funding.

“I am pleased to announce that 15 businesses have shared in more than $340,000 as part of the $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program,” Mr McCormack said.

“When I called each recipient to let them know of their successful application, they all expressed what a difference this funding would make to their business.

“From the Ariah Park Hotel installing LED lighting, new refrigeration, reverse cycling air-conditioning and a gas hot water system, to the Wagga Wagga Quest Apartments putting in split system air-conditioning, to the Federation Hotel in Parkes installing double-glazed windows and reverse-cycle air-conditioners – this program is making a real difference.”

Garry Handcock, from Grenfell’s Criterion Hotel, said the funding would make “a massive difference to the whole way we can run the business”.

“The efficiency of the new equipment will mean we gain more storage,  we can be more efficient on our stock deliveries, it will go down from multiple deliveries to just one or two because we will be able to hold more stock and produce more menu items,” Mr Handcock said.

“It will help with power, keeping costs low and more efficient in that area.

“It is going to be a massive boost to us.”

Ben O’Sullivan, of Quest Apartments Wagga Wagga, welcomed the Government’s support of small to medium enterprises achieving better suitability goals.

“We have 15-year-old property and installing split systems will bring us into the new age of eco-efficiency and sustainability,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Becoming more energy efficient requires a multi-faceted approach and this grant opportunity with the Federal Government means we are able to do that.”

More than 85 per cent of the grants were awarded to hotels in regional or remote communities.

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

A media release distributed on 17 February 2021 detailed that applications for the Program opened on 24 February 2021 and closed on 1 April 2021 (or earlier, if funding allocation was exhausted).

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

Further information on the Program, including eligibility criteria can be found at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/hotel-energy-uplift-program

The full list of successful applicants is available here: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/hotel-energy-uplift-program/grant-recipients 

Funding recipients:

Hotel | Details | Funding amount

Ariah Park Hotel | Install LED lighting, new refrigeration, reverse cycle air-conditioners, instant gas hot water system | $19,924

Broadway Hotel, Parkes | Install new reverse cycle air-conditioning units, fitment of double-glazed windows/doors and fitment of insulation batts to the ceiling cavities | $25,000

Charles Sturt Motor Inn, West Wyalong | Cooling and heating enhancements | $25,000

City Park Motel, Wagga Wagga | Split inverter air-conditioners | $17,000

Colonial Motel and Serviced Apartments, Young | Upgrade hot water and air-conditioning systems | $24,258

Criterion Hotel, Grenfell | Refrigeration upgrade | $25,000

Federation Hotel, Parkes | Install double-glazed windows, reverse cycle air-conditioners | $25,000

Garden City Motor Inn, Wagga Wagga | Replace air-conditioners, refrigerators, install LED lights | $25,000

Junee Hotel | Energy audit and installation of energy monitoring system | $24,132

Quality Inn Carriage House, Wagga Wagga | Split systems upgrade | $19,122

Quest Apartments, Wagga Wagga | Split system air-conditioning units | $21,035

Shamrock Hotel Motel, Temora | Insulation to ceiling and walls, install LED lights | $19,500

The Plainsman Motel, Forbes | Air-conditioner updates | $25,000

The Wagga Club Motel | Old air-conditioners replacement | $25,000

White Tank Hotel, West Wyalong | Roof insulation | $25,000

Shane Manning