Northern Grampians Shire Council is taking charge of their energy bills and helping tackle climate change, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today unveiled Stawell Senior Citizens Centre’s energy project, featuring an 11-kilowatt solar PV system and a new heating, ventilation LED lighting and air-conditioning system.

The project is one of five local facilities across Northern Grampians that has shared in $119,000 in funding for energy audits and energy upgrades under the Labor Government’s Local Government Energy Saver Program – which is set to save the community almost $24,000 a year on energy bills.

The $3.4 million Fund supports resource constrained councils across regional Victoria to reduce their energy consumption and operating costs of community facilities.

The program also provides councils with specialist expertise and resources to assess their emissions profile, undertake energy audits and co-funding energy upgrades to areas such as lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling.

The Labor Government is increasing Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target to 50 per cent by 2030 – putting more clean energy into the grid, increasing investment and driving down energy prices.

For more information on the program visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/EnergySaverProgram.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is a great local project that is going to make a huge difference not only to the local community – it’s an important part of helping us achieve our target of zero net emissions by 2050.”

“The Energy Saver Program is helping councils across the state drive investment into regional Victoria, creating jobs and helping to reduce electricity bills.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“We’re pleased to be working with Northern Grampians Shire Council to develop this renewable energy project that will give Stawell Senior Citizens Centre cheaper, cleaner energy.”