Victorians will enjoy supercharged solar savings, new green spaces and more renewable jobs as the Andrews Labor Government drives down energy bills and emissions.

To ease cost of living pressures and help Victorians get a better deal on their energy bills, the Victorian Budget 2022/23 will invest $250 million soall Victorian households can apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus from 1 July 2022.

The new $250 payment will be open to all Victorian households who use the Labor Government’s Victorian Energy Compare website to search for a better deal on their electricity.

Households that have previously claimed a $50 or $250 Power Saving Bonus will still be eligible for this new one-off payment.

The Budget will also boost jobs in new clean industries, with a $300 million package investing in renewable energy, a safe and smooth transition to net-zero emissions for all Victorians, securing the grid, new parks, and programs to safeguard our precious biodiversity.

The Labor Government is making switching to solar more affordable than ever with a boost to Solar Homes – making $42.2 million available for 64,000 Victorians to take up solar panel rebates and zero-interest loans, while continuing the current rebate value of $1,400.

There is also further funding for 1,700 new solar battery rebates of $2,950 – securing more solar savings for families.

The Budget will drive down household energy costs with $9 million for critical energy affordability support services and one-on-one assistance for Victorians who need it most – as well as $1.2 milliondedicated to driving down gas bills for businesses and households.

The Government will keep working to future-proof Victoria against natural disasters, including communities’ access to energy, through $10 millionfor microgrids in high-priority locations and $9.4 million to help recovery from storms, floods and fire.

To give Victorians the skills for the renewable jobs they want, $8 million will support training for electrical workers. Some $9.5 million will create local jobs through priority public works upgrading our green spaces and $6.3 million will grow regional jobs through forest restoration.

The Budget unlocks new and improved green spaces, with $9.8 million for a master plan and priority works at the Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve and improved local parks at Jells Park and Gowanbrae. Upgrades will be made to Albert Park Reserve, Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve, Farm Vigano and Patterson River.

Much-loved heritage sites such as Werribee Park Mansion, Fort Nepean, and Wilsons Promontory, Cape Schanck, Cape Otway and Point Hicks lighthouses will receive $16.5 million for their ongoing protection.

Victoria’s unique coastal ecosystems will be boosted with $16.9 million to build a safer, healthier and more resilient marine and coastal environment, $10 million will go towards the Great Ocean Road, including $7 million for erosion protection, and an extra $1 million for Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park.

Our wildlife will benefit from $5.3 million, including the creation of a Wildlife Emergency Support Network to coordinate community participation in the response to wildlife emergencies.

Preservation of Australia’s largest and most significant botanical collection at the National Herbarium will receive $4.8 million, which includes funding to upgrade buildings in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

The Budget recognises the important role of Traditional Owners in managing Country with $5.8 million to continue the Joint Management Plan for Barmah National Park, as well as funding for the Yorta Yorta Co‑operative Management Agreement.

Since 2014, the Government has created thousands of jobs and brought more than 4,400 megawatts of new clean energy online – 2,800 megawatts more than the capacity of Hazelwood power station. We’ve also invested more than $560 million in safeguarding biodiversity – more than any other Victorian government in history.

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

“Victoria is leading the way – creating thousands of jobs, driving investment in renewables, cutting the cost of living for families and working to halve emissions by 2030.”

“We’re slashing household energy bills and cementing Victoria as the renewable energy capital, boosting energy reliability, creating jobs and halving emissions by 2030 – nearly double the Morrison Government’s target.”

“We’re creating green jobs and promoting Aboriginal self-determination and connection with Country as we regenerate Victoria’s rich biodiversity and create new green spaces for all to enjoy.”