The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, and Federal Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, today announced the opening of the new Local Government Energy Efficiency Program to help local councils to install solar or heat pump hot water systems in community facilities.

Improving energy efficiency is a central element of the Government’s Clean Energy Future plan as it will help improve the productivity of our economy and move Australia towards a prosperous low-carbon future.

“The $24 million Local Government Energy Efficiency Program provides support to all local councils across Australia to install low pollution, clean energy solar and heat pump hot water systems,” said Mr Dreyfus.

[caption id="attachment_2514" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Parliamentary Secretary Mark Dreyfus, ALP Candidate for Melbourne Cath Bowtell, Moonee Valley Mayor Narelle Sharpe and Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten"][/caption]

“This program will help support local business, while driving smarter energy use in local government buildings and community facilities,” said Mr Shorten.

“Extra support is provided to councils in low socio-economic or otherwise disadvantaged areas. Extra assistance is also available to small regional and rural local governing authorities to meet project management costs.

“I am excited, as the Minister for Employment, about the investment in a clean energy future and the jobs growth that will generate,” said Mr Shorten.

“Through this program, the Federal Government and energy smart councils like Mooney Valley City Council will support Australian jobs and help local industries remain skilled, innovative and competitive into the future,” said Mr Dreyfus.

For more information on the Local Government Energy Efficiency Program or to access an application form visit: www.climatechange.gov.au or call the hotline on 1800 463 008.

The $24 million Local Government Energy Efficiency Program is part of the Government’s Clean Energy Future package. For more information visit: www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au

Media contact:          Giulia Baggio (Mr Dreyfus) 0400 918 776

 

Kieran Barns-Jenkins (Mr Shorten) 03 9326 1300 / 0421 838 878