Member for Riverstone, the Hon. John Aquillina MP, has encouraged local community organisations to apply for grants of up to $40,000 each to pay for water and energy efficiency upgrades on their buildings.
“This is a great opportunity for local groups to make real improvements in energy and water efficiency by upgrading lighting systems, installing rainwater tanks, replacing electric hot water systems and installing water-efficient toilets and fixtures.
“The not-for-profit sector is a vital part of our community and these grants will enable groups to make real savings, both in terms of money and the environment.
The grants are offered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change under the new Community Savers category of the NSW Government’s $30 million Public Facilities Program.
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt MP, said the new category would simplify access to funding for not-for-profit groups to save water, energy and emissions, as well as money on bills.
“This initiative will provide a streamlined application process for small community organisations such as local clubs, pre-schools, aged care facilities and volunteer groups to improve efficiency in their facilities,” Ms Tebbutt said.
Ms Tebbutt said the $30 million Public Facilities Program would also continue to provide funding for larger demonstration projects which showcase water and energy saving technologies.
To date, the Public Facilities Program, which is part of the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund, has allocated $10.4 million to 49 projects, saving 171 million litres of water a year and almost 9,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Full details and application forms for the Public Facilities Demonstration Projects and the Community Savers category are available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at www.environment.nsw.gov.au. ?