NEWCASTLE TO SHARE IN $42 MILLION FOR SMARTER ENERGY USE
THE HON GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Minister for Industry and Innovation
SHARON GRIERSON MP
Federal Member for Newcastle
MEDIA RELEASE
13 June 2012
Local Federal Members Sharon Grierson and Greg Combet today announced over $1.7 million to Newcastle City Council under the Federal Labor Government’s Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP), enabling the Council to inform the community about the benefits of smart energy use, while providing improved services and amenities, buildings and community facilities with lower energy usage.
“The Council’s was one of 63 successful projects funded from over 295 applications in the first round of CEEP, which will focus on upgrading lighting and heating, cooling and ventilation systems and improving thermal efficiency in seven council facilities across Newcastle,” Ms Grierson said.
“In Newcastle over $1.2 million was recently granted to the Hunter Business Chamber to implement their Energy Hunter - Our Clean Energy Future Program, assisting local businesses manage their energy consumption, so this funding to Newcastle City Council will compliment measures our Labor Government has taken to support our City’s clean, energy efficient future.”
Improving energy efficiency is a central element of the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Future plan, to help boost productivity in our economy and move Australia towards a low-carbon future.
“The 63 successful round one recipients of the Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) will co-fund projects to improve energy efficiency in community buildings such as museums, indoor sports and aquatic centres, art galleries and libraries,” Mr Combet said.
“Demonstration is a key objective of this program and grant recipients will be required to demonstrate and encourage smart energy use within councils, organisations and the broader community,” Mr Combet said.
Applications were assessed by an independent committee on the potential to improve energy efficiency, encourage and demonstrate energy management, value for money, project management and design.
The $200 million Community Energy Efficiency Program has multiple rounds. An announcement on round two will be made later this year.