The Victorian Government is supporting Victorian farmers to invest in new equipment and technology to improve sustainability and reduce energy costs with the rollout of new Agriculture Energy Investment Plan grants.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today welcomed the latest recipients to receive the grant, including the 9 successful projects in the Corangamite, Moyne and Golden Plains Shires.
The grants will support farm businesses complete projects to improve their energy efficiency, reduce on-farm costs and maintain their competitiveness. Grants have been awarded to farms across the agricultural sector – including dairy, sheep, horticulture and viticulture producers.
Recipients include:
- Kangeratong Farming Pty Ltd (Purnim)
- HJ & SC Ballinger (Naringal)
- Blain Dairying Pty Ltd (Cooriemungle)
- SP & LM Bourke Pty Ltd (Terang)
- Jamecca Plains Pastoral Company (Caramut)
- Gregory James Collins (Koroit)
- K & F McDowall (Nullawarre)
- Nistel Farms Pty Ltd (Scotts Creek)
- Leighburn Farm Pty Ltd (Shelford)
Local projects include the installation of solar PV systems, wind turbines, batteries, and the installation of heat recovery units. Many projects are the result of recommendations from energy assessments on farms, and anticipate energy savings of more than 20% for some projects.
The grants process for dairy farmers will now be streamlined, as they will be able to receive small energy grants for eligible equipment without requiring an on-farm energy assessment.
This allows dairy farmers facing particularly challenging seasonal and market conditions to apply directly for a grant of up to $50,000 by selecting from a list of pre-approved items.
Farm businesses applying for smaller grants will now be able to apply twice for the maximum combined value of $50,000 allowing them to access support more efficiently and better plan ahead for their businesses.
The Agriculture Energy Investment Plan has been designed to strengthen industry’s ability to adapt to changing energy conditions and provides:
- $5 million for energy efficiency assessments on farm
- $20 million in grants to support farmers invest in energy efficiency and own generation technology
For more information on how to apply for assessments and grants, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“We’re proud to be helping Victorian farms move into the future with projects that will bring costs down and make our agriculture industry sustainable for many years to come.”
“We’re making sure we can support farmers to save on their energy bills and make their businesses more efficient – it’s important that we undertake thorough energy efficiency assessments so farmers can get the best cost savings.”