Small and medium hotels across Gippsland can access support to lower their power bills and invest in their business.
Local MP Darren Chester said hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes with up to 99 rooms can access grants up to $25,000 for energy-saving projects through the Federal Government’s $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program.
“There are at least 400 grants on offer for hotel operators to reduce energy costs and support the creation of local jobs, including for electricians, carpenters, engineers and plumbers,” Mr Chester said.
“These grants will help to reduce energy bills through upgrades like; air conditioning or refrigeration, installing energy efficient lighting or investing in monitoring systems to better manage their energy use.
“Energy costs are one of the biggest overheads for publicans and hotel owners and these grants will reduce these operating costs and help them reinvest in their business.”
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the launch comes at an important time, as the tourism and accommodation sector looks to get back on its feet.
“The hotel industry has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Taylor said.
“With 80 per cent of small to medium hotels located in regional Australia, these grants will provide a significant boost to our regions.
“The upgrade projects will provide genuine and lasting energy savings and will have a positive flow-on effect for jobs and small businesses.”
The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget as part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will back jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.
Applications open on 24 February 2021 and will close on 1 April 2021 (or earlier, if funding is exhausted). To view the program guidelines, visit: business.gov.au.