Grant helps Cooroy sporting community power on
A new $27,000 lighting system will help slash thousands of dollars off Cooroora United Football Club’s electricity bill, with federal assistance announced today by Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said Cooroora United Football Club received $7,750 through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Powering Communities Program, which contributed to the purchase of eight 1000-watt LED lights at the Cooroy Sporting Complex.
“Electricity bills and maintenance for the old lighting system were one of the Cooroora United Football Club’s biggest costs, and last season the Club wasn’t able to play on its home grounds in the evenings because the lights didn’t meet the necessary standards,” Mr O’Brien said.
“These new lights will reduce the Club’s electricity consumption by up to 40 per cent, slashing thousands of dollars from their electricity and maintenance bills, and will ensure the team can play and train at any time of day or night.”
Mr O’Brien said the Powering Communities grants would help local community groups reduce their power bills and emissions while also supporting local jobs.
“Volunteer groups and sporting clubs like Cooroora United Football Club are the lifeblood of our Wide Bay communities, and energy bills are often one of the biggest overheads so the more these organisations can save on electricity, the more they can spend on doing what matters – making our communities more vibrant and resilient places to live.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said that lowering the energy costs of community groups would have positive effects both locally and nationally.
“This funding of between $5,000 and $12,000 to community groups from all the 151 federal electorates of Australia will allow them to spend more on their essential activities,” Minister Taylor said.
“At the same time as these groups are providing increased assistance to their local communities, they will be playing a part in our national efforts to reduce emissions.
“Local jobs will be created through the energy-efficiency measures undertaken by the successful funding applicants under the program.
“These include installing solar panels or a battery, replacing lighting with LEDs, conducting an energy audit and upgrading air conditioners, hot water systems or a refrigerator with more efficient models.
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson said that the grants are part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to increase the nation’s energy efficiency, while meeting and beating our emissions reduction targets.
“The Morrison Government is focused on empowering community groups, businesses and households to be part of our journey to carbon neutrality,” Assistant Minister Wilson said.
“Unlike Labor’s tax-first approach, our focus on technology is helping to lower Australia’s emissions, while also reducing electricity bills.”
Applications for grants under the program opened in March 2021. Each Federal MP, with the assistance of a committee representing the local community, nominated projects and invited groups to apply for the grant funding.
The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources selected the successful applicants after considering them for eligibility and completeness.
