Three small businesses in Wide Bay will receive support from the Liberal National Government to cut energy costs, putting more money back in the pockets of local business owners as the region recovers from COVID-19.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said the Noosa and Cooroy businesses each received a $20,000 grant through the Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program.

The grants will help Noosa’s Ivory Palms Resort upgrade its air conditioning and assist with a glycol buffer and cold water tank for Noosa Brewing Company, while Cooroy manufacturer Eco Cottages will use the grant towards Zero Net Energy manufacture of cypress wood products and modular homes.

“As Australia and Wide Bay recover from the impact of COVID-19, small businesses like Ivory Palms Resort, Noosa Brewing Company and Eco Cottages will all have a vital role to play in strengthening our economy,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The tourism and manufacturing sectors are significant drivers of the local Wide Bay economy, and by supporting these local businesses, we are supporting local jobs and growth.”

Mr O’Brien said small businesses are the lifeblood of local communities and the backbone of the Australian economy, employing over 6 million people nationally.

“Lowering energy bills for our small businesses through the Energy Efficient Communities Program will help alleviate financial pressure and deliver the conditions they need to succeed,” Mr O’Brien said.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Morrison Government was focused on bringing down the cost of energy for small businesses.

“Energy bills are a significant overhead for many small businesses. These grants will help small businesses all around Australia pay less on their energy bills, allowing them to keep their doors open, expand their business and employ more Australians,” he said.

The full list of successful applicants for the small business grants is available on business.gov.au