PREMIER - SOLAR GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY AND SPORTING GROUPS

Archived News, Posted on 11 May 2010

To help local sporting and community groups make the switch to solar and save money on their electricity bills, the Bligh Government has asked the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to prioritise solar applications.

Premier Anna Bligh is encouraging local not-for-profit sporting and community groups to take advantage of the grants and join thousands of Queenslanders that are already doing the bright thing in their homes.

"By switching to solar, sporting and community groups can make great savings on their electricity bills as well as help reduce the State's carbon emissions," the Premier said.

"The Government is helping Queensland families switch to solar and save through our new Solar Hot Water Rebate."
"We want to make sure Queensland not-for-profit community and sporting groups can do the bright thing too."

Eligible sporting and community organisations right across Queensland can apply for grants to support the purchase and installation of 1.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and/or solar hot water systems.

Grants for solar PV systems and solar hot water systems will be available through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund via a competitive application process. Guidelines and application packs will be available from 1 June.

Conservative estimates indicate there are at least 1,000 not-for-profit sporting and community groups operating multiple facilities for community benefit across Queensland.

It is anticipated that up to $3.3 million a year will be directed to these community solar projects from the fund over the next three years.

It is estimated that switching to solar will cumulatively save Queensland community organisations up to $245,000 each year in electricity costs.

It will also avoid around 1,200 megawatt hours of electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1,300 tonnes per annum.

"These not-for-profit community and sporting groups range from local footy clubs and scout troops to local counselling services like Lifeline and church-run halls.

"Community organisations and sporting groups rely on electricity to provide important services and facilities to Queensland families each and every day.

"As a result, their power bills can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars every month."

"By installing solar PV panels or solar hot water systems, community groups will save money on electricity bills allowing more funds to go to the services and facilities they provide."

"This will also help us to double Queensland's use of solar energy in five years and build Australia's first virtual solar power station," Premier Bligh said.

To be eligible for funding, organisations must be located in Queensland, have an Australian Business Number and maintain a valid bank account. In addition, organisations must be either:
•incorporated, community based, not-for-profit
•unincorporated, community based, not-for-profit, but with an eligible incorporated sponsor that will accept legal and financial responsibility for the grant, or
•a 'Minister approved' organisation type.

Media contact: Kimberley Gardiner