As a part of delivering its ambitious Climate Change Strategy and halving emissions by 2030, the Andrews Labor Government is establishing seven new Community Power Hubs and providing grants for community groups to install renewable energy and undertake energy audits.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced $6.5 million to expand the Community Power Hubsprogram and provide new grants for community organisations.

The hubs, which include Indigo Power in Yackandandah, will be set up in regions across the state, with each hub supporting community energy groups in their region by providing support, funding and local expertise.

Indigo Power will convene the Hume Community Power Hub, working with groups from across Northern Victoria such as Goulburn Community Energy, Renewable Energy Mansfield and Totally Renewable Beechworth to develop new community projects.

The Hume Hub will immediately get to work, having been provided $59,964 to install a 136kW rooftop solar system at the Moyola Gardens Retirement Village in Tatura and $12,250 to install an 8kW Solar PV on Yea Community Shed.

The other hubs will be convened by Healesville Community Owned Renewable Energy, Yarra Energy Foundation based in Richmond, Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions, Geelong Sustainability Group, Gippsland Climate Change Network and Bendigo Sustainability Group.

The hubs have been funded to immediately deliver 16 solar energy projects by the end of the year, which will build energy resilience in response to extreme weather events like the devastating storm event in June.

Community organisations like sporting clubs, kindergartens and men’s sheds can also now apply for grants of up to $50,000 to install renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and undertake energy audits. This $3.1 million investment will help these organisations save on their energy bills, while also reducing emissions.

For more information on the Community Power Hubs program or to apply for grant for your community organisation, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au

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

“Our Community Power Hubs will be working on the frontline, helping small businesses and community organisations to be a part of the renewables revolution. This is all a part of our plan to halve emissions by 2030.”

“These community-owned and operated hubs will bring local renewable energy projects to life, drive investment in regional Victoria, create jobs and reduce energy bills.”

“These Community Power Hubs – spread right across Victoria – will be a one-stop-shop for anyone after advice or ideas about how to get their business or community organisation more energy efficient.”