Businesses and community groups in Western Victoria are invited to apply for $3 million of grants in the first round of the Victorian Government’s Solar Photovoltaic Hubs program which will help reduce emissions and create green jobs.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the program, part of the Brumby Labor Government’s Action Plan for Green Jobs, would see the creation of up to 10 solar hubs across the state by 2013 – and one of these could be in Western Victoria.
“The Brumby Labor Government is working in partnership with the community and businesses to address climate change and create a sustainable future for all Victorians,” Ms Tierney said.
“The Solar Photovoltaic Hubs grants program will assist local community groups, local government, sustainability groups and other interested parties develop partnerships that allow them to benefit from bulk purchases of solar panels and installation services and reduce the cost of individual rooftop solar system installations.
“I strongly encourage interested groups to apply for the program, to help establish a solar hub right here in Western Victoria Not only does solar power help tackle climate change, the program will help create jobs and investment in sustainable new industries.”
Ms Tierney said Victoria had experienced a strong uptake of photovoltaics in Victorian homes and businesses, with 12,000 units installed in 2009 alone.
“This program takes us another step closer to making renewable energy part of our everyday energy supply mix.”
Grants for the solar hubs will range from $250,000 to $1 million and will create small to medium scale renewable energy systems throughout Victoria.
The Solar Hubs program will add up to 8.6 megawatts of community-based solar power by 2013 and is anticipated to generate $60 million of solar installation work for Victorian solar companies.
“We are continuing to create new investment and jobs through its support of renewable energy projects, both large and small, to position us for a low carbon future,” Ms Tierney said.
For more information on the grants, visit www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 363 744.