Lowering energy bills for Poona Community Hall

A new LED lighting system will help slash electricity bills, creating a brighter future for Poona’s community hall, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.

“Energy bills are one of the biggest overheads for the not-for-profit Poona Community Progress Association, so this funding will contribute towards a new, energy-efficient LED lighting system for the hall which is expected to cut their power bill by 23 per cent and save them more than $1000 every year,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Association is fully self-funded so this will make a significant difference to the organisation and to everyone who uses the Poona Community Hall for daily activity groups and socialisation, and also as an Emergency Respite Centre in times of disaster.”

The association will receive $6,500 through the Powering Communities Program as part of a new Coalition Government program to lower energy costs, support local jobs and help reduce global emissions.

“Wide Bay community groups do an incredible job to support local people, and these grants will ease the financial pressure for local organisations like the Poona Community Progress Association, so they can continue to do what they do best, which is enriching and supporting their local communities,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Powering Communities Program provided grants of between $5,000 and $12,000 to eligible community organisations, for measures to reduce electricity consumption such as installing solar panels or a battery, upgrading air conditioners, replacing a hot water system or refrigerator with more efficient models, replacing lighting with LEDs or conducting an energy audit.

“By reducing electricity costs for local organisations, such as community halls, sports clubs, senior citizens clubs and charities, these grants will ensure Wide Bay’s community groups can better focus on meeting the needs of their communities.”