The Bass Coast 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 officially opened a new 100kw solar PV system on the Wonthaggi Civic Centre which is set to save the council almost $40,000 a year on energy bills.

The project has been delivered by the Bass Coast Shire Council and received $58,460 in funding from the Labor Government’s Local Government Energy Saver Program.

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-fund energy upgrades to areas such as lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling.

The Labor Government is also supporting Bass Coast Shire Council in their goal to transition the community to zero-net emissions through a $15,000 grant.

This grant will support the expansion of work already started by the coastal community of Phillip Island, which has made a commitment to being carbon neutral by 2030.

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

“We’re helping regional councils take control of their energy costs – so they can invest more in the essential services their communities need.”

“Local councils are playing a critical role in helping us achieve our target of zero net emissions by 2050.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale

“It’s fantastic to see this important local facility giving back to the community, as well working alongside us to reach our ambitious emission targets.”