Victorians are getting the extra support they need to drive down their energy costs, with rebates now available for solar hot water systems as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Solar Homes package.
Victorian households can now claim up to $1,000 rebate for solar hot water systems and reduce their energy costs by between $160 and $400, a year with rebates available for systems installed on or after 19 August 2018.
Not all homes can have solar panels installed because of issues such as roof design or shade, which is why the Labor Government is providing this rebate. It means Victorians who can’t install solar panels will still be able to save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills.
The rebate is available to Victorians with a household income of up to $180,000 who live in their own home valued at up to $3 million – and who haven’t already installed half price solar panels under the Solar Homes program.
All solar hot water installations must be completed by a licensed plumber, while electrical work must be done by a Class A electrician licenced by Energy Safe Victoria, or a recognised equivalent from another Australian jurisdiction.
Systems installed under the package must be on the Clean Energy Regulator’s Register of solar hot water heaters and the Victorian Essential Services Commission Registered Products list.
A Certificate of Electrical Safety, certified by a licensed inspector registered with Energy Safe must also be provided. The plumber must provide a certificate of compliance to the householder.
The rebate is available as part of the Labor Government’s landmark Solar Homes package, which will deliver solar hot water systems to 60,000 homes, solar electricity panels to 700,000 homes – including 50,000 rental properties – and solar batteries to 10,000 homes.
The Labor Government’s Solar Homes program will cut Victoria’s carbon emissions by almost four million tonnes – the same as taking one million of Victoria’s 4.6 million cars off the road – and generate 12.5 per cent of Victoria’s 40 per cent target for renewable energy by 2025.
A full list of registered products and further information on applying for the solar hot water rebate can be found at solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re putting solar panels and hot water systems on Victorian homes to help families save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills.”
“This rebate means households who can’t install solar panels still have options available to them to drive down their energy costs.”
“We’re not wasting a second rolling out our landmark Solar Homes package – driving down household bills and delivering on our renewable energy target.”
Victorians are getting the extra support they need to drive down their energy costs, with rebates now available for solar hot water systems as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Solar Homes package.
Victorian households can now claim up to $1,000 rebate for solar hot water systems and reduce their energy costs by between $160 and $400, a year with rebates available for systems installed on or after 19 August 2018.
Not all homes can have solar panels installed because of issues such as roof design or shade, which is why the Labor Government is providing this rebate. It means Victorians who can’t install solar panels will still be able to save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills.
The rebate is available to Victorians with a household income of up to $180,000 who live in their own home valued at up to $3 million – and who haven’t already installed half price solar panels under the Solar Homes program.
All solar hot water installations must be completed by a licensed plumber, while electrical work must be done by a Class A electrician licenced by Energy Safe Victoria, or a recognised equivalent from another Australian jurisdiction.
Systems installed under the package must be on the Clean Energy Regulator’s Register of solar hot water heaters and the Victorian Essential Services Commission Registered Products list.
A Certificate of Electrical Safety, certified by a licensed inspector registered with Energy Safe must also be provided. The plumber must provide a certificate of compliance to the householder.
The rebate is available as part of the Labor Government’s landmark Solar Homes package, which will deliver solar hot water systems to 60,000 homes, solar electricity panels to 700,000 homes – including 50,000 rental properties – and solar batteries to 10,000 homes.
The Labor Government’s Solar Homes program will cut Victoria’s carbon emissions by almost four million tonnes – the same as taking one million of Victoria’s 4.6 million cars off the road – and generate 12.5 per cent of Victoria’s 40 per cent target for renewable energy by 2025.
A full list of registered products and further information on applying for the solar hot water rebate can be found at solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re putting solar panels and hot water systems on Victorian homes to help families save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills.”
“This rebate means households who can’t install solar panels still have options available to them to drive down their energy costs.”
“We’re not wasting a second rolling out our landmark Solar Homes package – driving down household bills and delivering on our renewable energy target.”
Hospitals across Victoria are seeing major reductions in their energy bills, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s energy efficiency program.
Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said hospitals like Brunswick Private Hospital are rapidly introducing energy efficiency measures to help reduce their overall costs.
Brunswick Private is making significant savings on their energy bills, maintenance costs, and greenhouse gas emissions thanks to new lighting – by replacing existing fluorescent lights with 946 LED lights, they will save $38,000 annually on energy bills, giving them a payback of less than one year.
The hospital is one of 90,000 businesses that have improved their equipment and undertaken energy efficiency retrofits – and was supported by the Government’s Victorian Energy Upgrades program with nearly $30,000 in funding going to the upgrade.
In hospitals, energy efficiency upgrades deliver both environmental and financial savings, minimising future capital costs, while also improving patient comfort and experience.
Energy Savings Industry Association and the Energy Efficiency Council have launched a new report which highlights the large and diverse workforce involved in energy management and energy efficiency.
The Government delivers range of energy efficiency programs which support hundreds of Victorian jobs in making, installing and upgrading energy efficient appliances and buildings.
Over the last ten years, 1.8 million households and 90,000 business have undertaken energy-saving upgrades.
It is estimated that these upgrades saved the businesses involved around $90 million on their energy bills annually – around $4,500 for participating businesses and $200 for households.
For more information on the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program visit energy.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The workers that build, use and maintain Victoria’s buildings and energy-using equipment are playing a critical role in helping us achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2050.”
“Improving energy efficiency creates jobs, reduces emissions and helps Victorians homes and business save money on their power bills.”
Hospitals across Victoria are seeing major reductions in their energy bills, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s energy efficiency program.
Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said hospitals like Brunswick Private Hospital are rapidly introducing energy efficiency measures to help reduce their overall costs.
Brunswick Private is making significant savings on their energy bills, maintenance costs, and greenhouse gas emissions thanks to new lighting – by replacing existing fluorescent lights with 946 LED lights, they will save $38,000 annually on energy bills, giving them a payback of less than one year.
The hospital is one of 90,000 businesses that have improved their equipment and undertaken energy efficiency retrofits – and was supported by the Government’s Victorian Energy Upgrades program with nearly $30,000 in funding going to the upgrade.
In hospitals, energy efficiency upgrades deliver both environmental and financial savings, minimising future capital costs, while also improving patient comfort and experience.
Energy Savings Industry Association and the Energy Efficiency Council have launched a new report which highlights the large and diverse workforce involved in energy management and energy efficiency.
The Government delivers range of energy efficiency programs which support hundreds of Victorian jobs in making, installing and upgrading energy efficient appliances and buildings.
Over the last ten years, 1.8 million households and 90,000 business have undertaken energy-saving upgrades.
It is estimated that these upgrades saved the businesses involved around $90 million on their energy bills annually – around $4,500 for participating businesses and $200 for households.
For more information on the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program visit energy.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The workers that build, use and maintain Victoria’s buildings and energy-using equipment are playing a critical role in helping us achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2050.”
“Improving energy efficiency creates jobs, reduces emissions and helps Victorians homes and business save money on their power bills.”
The Andrews Labor Government thanks Simon Corbell for his work and dedication as he steps down as Victoria’s first Renewable Energy Advocate.
Mr Corbell brought more than 20 years of senior experience in public policy to the Renewable Energy Advocate position and acted as a passionate voice for the development of renewable energy in the state.
As Renewable Energy Advocate, Mr Corbell helped explain and promote the reforms needed and opportunities presented by the transition to a renewable energy future, as well as to engage with and support communities and industry as they make that transition.
Listening to both communities and industry, Mr Corbell was able to feed that information back to policy makers and Government, providing independent and informed advice.
Mr Corbell has played an integral role in the implementation of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) scheme, leading efforts to attract further investment in renewable energy.
This includes working with the renewables industry to ensure that there was adequate capacity to deliver the VRET and the Government’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
The VRET will ensure that 25 per cent of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources by 2020, and 50 per cent by 2030.
VRET is expected to deliver up to $9 billion in new capital expenditure throughout the state, contribute $2.5 billion in direct economic activity and create 11,000 energy sector jobs by 2025.
The Government will seek a new appointee to fulfil the role of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Advocate.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Solar Lily D’Ambrosio
“I want to thank Victoria’s first Renewable Energy Advocate, Simon Corbell, for his all his great work guiding us through the transition to a cleaner, renewable energy future.”
“Simon has done a fantastic job travelling across Victoria to help explain and promote the reforms needed and opportunities presented by this Government’s bold plan for greener energy.”
“Having a dedicated advocate role gives the renewable energy sector the confidence needed to invest in the renewable energy projects and jobs that are crucial to Victoria’s future.”
The Andrews Labor Government thanks Simon Corbell for his work and dedication as he steps down as Victoria’s first Renewable Energy Advocate.
Mr Corbell brought more than 20 years of senior experience in public policy to the Renewable Energy Advocate position and acted as a passionate voice for the development of renewable energy in the state.
As Renewable Energy Advocate, Mr Corbell helped explain and promote the reforms needed and opportunities presented by the transition to a renewable energy future, as well as to engage with and support communities and industry as they make that transition.
Listening to both communities and industry, Mr Corbell was able to feed that information back to policy makers and Government, providing independent and informed advice.
Mr Corbell has played an integral role in the implementation of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) scheme, leading efforts to attract further investment in renewable energy.
This includes working with the renewables industry to ensure that there was adequate capacity to deliver the VRET and the Government’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
The VRET will ensure that 25 per cent of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources by 2020, and 50 per cent by 2030.
VRET is expected to deliver up to $9 billion in new capital expenditure throughout the state, contribute $2.5 billion in direct economic activity and create 11,000 energy sector jobs by 2025.
The Government will seek a new appointee to fulfil the role of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Advocate.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Solar Lily D’Ambrosio
“I want to thank Victoria’s first Renewable Energy Advocate, Simon Corbell, for his all his great work guiding us through the transition to a cleaner, renewable energy future.”
“Simon has done a fantastic job travelling across Victoria to help explain and promote the reforms needed and opportunities presented by this Government’s bold plan for greener energy.”
“Having a dedicated advocate role gives the renewable energy sector the confidence needed to invest in the renewable energy projects and jobs that are crucial to Victoria’s future.”
Victorian schools who are minimising waste, saving energy and water, increasing biodiversity and tackling climate change are set to be recognised by Sustainability Victoria as part of the 2019 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Minister for Environment, Lily D’Ambrosio today encouraged schools to enter Victoria’s largest sustainability awards program, which is open to all Victorian government, independent and Catholic schools.
The 2019 categories are:
ResourceSmart School of the Year
Teacher of the Year
Student Action Team of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
Community Sustainability Leadership School of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
Sustainability in the Curriculum Leadership School of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
Sustainable Campus of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
ResourceSmart Schools is a free program offered by Sustainability Victoria that supports Victorian schools to embed sustainability across the school facilities, community and curriculum, while saving resources and money for the school.
Since 2008, ResourceSmart Schools has engaged more than 1,300 schools across the state to collectively save over $24 million dollars and avoid creating more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
In 2017, St Louis de Montfort’s Primary school won school of the decade for embedding sustainability into its school curriculum and educating the wider community on sustainability practices.
Highlights of St Louis de Montfort’s Primary sustainability efforts include building a kitchen out of converted shipping containers, creating an amphitheatre out of re-used tyres and sleepers, installing orchards, garden beds and composting, and having waste and energy warriors in each class.
Entries close on 1 April, 2019. To enter visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/schoolsawards
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio
“Environmental sustainability is an important part of our future so it’s great to see so many schools getting on board and teaching kids about how they can make a difference to the environment around them.”
“These Awards are a wonderful way to recognise the efforts of school communities across the state who are coming up with practical ideas to reduce their waste and save money – while also sharing these learnings beyond the school gate.”
“I’m sure we’ll see some really innovative and exciting projects nominated this year and I look forward to hearing more about how these Victorian schools are integrating sustainability into their curriculum.”
Victorian schools who are minimising waste, saving energy and water, increasing biodiversity and tackling climate change are set to be recognised by Sustainability Victoria as part of the 2019 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Minister for Environment, Lily D’Ambrosio today encouraged schools to enter Victoria’s largest sustainability awards program, which is open to all Victorian government, independent and Catholic schools.
The 2019 categories are:
ResourceSmart School of the Year
Teacher of the Year
Student Action Team of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
Community Sustainability Leadership School of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
Sustainability in the Curriculum Leadership School of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
Sustainable Campus of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
ResourceSmart Schools is a free program offered by Sustainability Victoria that supports Victorian schools to embed sustainability across the school facilities, community and curriculum, while saving resources and money for the school.
Since 2008, ResourceSmart Schools has engaged more than 1,300 schools across the state to collectively save over $24 million dollars and avoid creating more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
In 2017, St Louis de Montfort’s Primary school won school of the decade for embedding sustainability into its school curriculum and educating the wider community on sustainability practices.
Highlights of St Louis de Montfort’s Primary sustainability efforts include building a kitchen out of converted shipping containers, creating an amphitheatre out of re-used tyres and sleepers, installing orchards, garden beds and composting, and having waste and energy warriors in each class.
Entries close on 1 April, 2019. To enter visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/schoolsawards
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio
“Environmental sustainability is an important part of our future so it’s great to see so many schools getting on board and teaching kids about how they can make a difference to the environment around them.”
“These Awards are a wonderful way to recognise the efforts of school communities across the state who are coming up with practical ideas to reduce their waste and save money – while also sharing these learnings beyond the school gate.”
“I’m sure we’ll see some really innovative and exciting projects nominated this year and I look forward to hearing more about how these Victorian schools are integrating sustainability into their curriculum.”
Here are a few things all of us can do to get through the heat, help each other out and save power:
1.It's always useful to save power. But on days like today, it's more than just useful – it helps the entire state. Try switching appliances off at the wall, or turning down the fridge a degree or two. And if you're lucky enough to have a beer fridge, think about switching it off (just for today).
2. If you've got air con, try turning it to between 23 and 26 degrees, and only in the rooms you're using.
3. Put off running your washing machine and dishwasher until later today when it cools down.
4. Stay hydrated. Keep a full drink bottle with you.
5. Avoid the heat. Visit the library, or go to the movies, or head to the local shopping centre.
6. Plan ahead so you're not stuck outside during the hottest part of the day.
7. Check in on anyone who might be struggling with the heat. A neighbour who lives alone. An elderly relative. A friend who might be sick. Give them a call and make sure they've got everything they need.
8. Leave some shallow bowls of water out in shady areas for bird, bees and other wildlife.
9. Be kind and cut each other some slack. We're all feeling the heat so a bit of patience goes a long way.
10. Never, ever leave kids or pets in hot cars.
Practical advice and support
For advice on keeping cool and managing heat stress see: https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/
For energy saving tips please visit the DELWP website here: https://www2.delwp.vic.gov.au/
Further bill tips and ways to make your home energy efficient are here: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/You-and-your-home/Save-energy
https://emergency.vic.gov.au now includes power outage information from all DBs
For ways to deal with the heat for you and your family look here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/Survive-the-heat
Vic Energy Compare site, provides options for potential bill savings and pricing options here: https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/.
Here are a few things all of us can do to get through the heat, help each other out and save power:
1.It's always useful to save power. But on days like today, it's more than just useful – it helps the entire state. Try switching appliances off at the wall, or turning down the fridge a degree or two. And if you're lucky enough to have a beer fridge, think about switching it off (just for today).
2. If you've got air con, try turning it to between 23 and 26 degrees, and only in the rooms you're using.
3. Put off running your washing machine and dishwasher until later today when it cools down.
4. Stay hydrated. Keep a full drink bottle with you.
5. Avoid the heat. Visit the library, or go to the movies, or head to the local shopping centre.
6. Plan ahead so you're not stuck outside during the hottest part of the day.
7. Check in on anyone who might be struggling with the heat. A neighbour who lives alone. An elderly relative. A friend who might be sick. Give them a call and make sure they've got everything they need.
8. Leave some shallow bowls of water out in shady areas for bird, bees and other wildlife.
9. Be kind and cut each other some slack. We're all feeling the heat so a bit of patience goes a long way.
10. Never, ever leave kids or pets in hot cars.
Practical advice and support
For advice on keeping cool and managing heat stress see: https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/
For energy saving tips please visit the DELWP website here: https://www2.delwp.vic.gov.au/
Further bill tips and ways to make your home energy efficient are here: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/You-and-your-home/Save-energy
https://emergency.vic.gov.au now includes power outage information from all DBs
For ways to deal with the heat for you and your family look here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/Survive-the-heat
Vic Energy Compare site, provides options for potential bill savings and pricing options here: https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/.
Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens could soon be attracting thousands more visitors, with the Andrews Labor Government to provide a $5 million kickstart to a proposed new nature and science precinct.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today announced funding for a feasibility study for a new Nature and Science Precinct that includes the redevelopment of the National Herbarium of Victoria, and the creation of a new nature gallery and learning and participation centre.
Under the plan, the original 1934 Herbarium building will be fully restored and expanded to include a plant identification service. The much beloved children’s garden will also be expanded, and the Great Melbourne Telescope returned to its home at the Melbourne Observatory.
The proposed project would see an estimated increase in visitors from 1.9 million to 2.4 million by 2023 and increase school student participation by 50 per cent.
This redevelopment will also allow for the treasures of the State Botanical Collection to be shared with the public for the first time and help preserve the collection for future generations.
The collection is currently home to more than 1.5 million specimens collected over the past 500 years – including a recent discovery of a plant, hand-collected by Charles Darwin in 1832 during his famous voyage on H.M.S. Beagle.
The National Herbarium of Victoria now joins a small and prestigious list of international herbaria holding collections made by Darwin on this voyage.
The Darwin specimen joins the State Botanical Collection’s other famous treasures such as one of the banksias collected by Joseph Banks at Botany Bay, Ludwig Leichardt specimens from northern Australia, and plants from Africa gathered by David Livingstone.
The feasibility study will establish the scope and design for the new precinct and conclude in November 2019, before the expected start of early works on the Herbarium in early 2020.
The Labor Government is also investing $27 million over five years in Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to revitalise its Melbourne and Cranbourne gardens.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio
“This precinct will bring Victoria’s natural wonders to life in the heart of Melbourne and thousands more visitors to our beautiful botanic gardens.”
“It will unlock our State Botanical Collection, creating wonderful new experiences for local families and schools.”
Quote attributable Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria CEO Professor Tim Entwisle
“This commitment from the Victorian Government to our Nature and Science precinct recognises the powerful connection between culture, nature and science, and importance of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to Melbourne and to the health of this planet.”
Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens could soon be attracting thousands more visitors, with the Andrews Labor Government to provide a $5 million kickstart to a proposed new nature and science precinct.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today announced funding for a feasibility study for a new Nature and Science Precinct that includes the redevelopment of the National Herbarium of Victoria, and the creation of a new nature gallery and learning and participation centre.
Under the plan, the original 1934 Herbarium building will be fully restored and expanded to include a plant identification service. The much beloved children’s garden will also be expanded, and the Great Melbourne Telescope returned to its home at the Melbourne Observatory.
The proposed project would see an estimated increase in visitors from 1.9 million to 2.4 million by 2023 and increase school student participation by 50 per cent.
This redevelopment will also allow for the treasures of the State Botanical Collection to be shared with the public for the first time and help preserve the collection for future generations.
The collection is currently home to more than 1.5 million specimens collected over the past 500 years – including a recent discovery of a plant, hand-collected by Charles Darwin in 1832 during his famous voyage on H.M.S. Beagle.
The National Herbarium of Victoria now joins a small and prestigious list of international herbaria holding collections made by Darwin on this voyage.
The Darwin specimen joins the State Botanical Collection’s other famous treasures such as one of the banksias collected by Joseph Banks at Botany Bay, Ludwig Leichardt specimens from northern Australia, and plants from Africa gathered by David Livingstone.
The feasibility study will establish the scope and design for the new precinct and conclude in November 2019, before the expected start of early works on the Herbarium in early 2020.
The Labor Government is also investing $27 million over five years in Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to revitalise its Melbourne and Cranbourne gardens.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio
“This precinct will bring Victoria’s natural wonders to life in the heart of Melbourne and thousands more visitors to our beautiful botanic gardens.”
“It will unlock our State Botanical Collection, creating wonderful new experiences for local families and schools.”
Quote attributable Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria CEO Professor Tim Entwisle
“This commitment from the Victorian Government to our Nature and Science precinct recognises the powerful connection between culture, nature and science, and importance of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to Melbourne and to the health of this planet.”
Nearly 7,000 Victorian households have installed solar panels since the Andrews Labor Government’s Solar Homes package was launched in late August last year, amounting to more than $3.4 million in rebates.
Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said around 1,600 households had already received a rebate, with many more solar installation projects underway, generating thousands of jobs across the state.
Melbourne’s growth suburbs are the busiest areas for new solar installations with Tarneit (212) topping the list followed by Clyde North (161), Craigieburn (131), Truganina (123) and Cranbourne East (98).
The Solar Homes Package is boosting supply, creating jobs and fighting climate change, while helping Victorian households cut their energy costs.
The Solar Homes package provides up to $2,225 to support the installation of solar panels – helping to ensure Victoria’s energy system is as affordable, resilient and secure as possible.
The Labor Government’s Solar Homes Package includes:
$1.24B for solar panels on 650,000 homes
$60M for solar hot water for 60,000 homes
$40M to support the purchase of batteries for 10,000 homes
$82M for solar panels on 50,0000 rental homes.
From 1 July 2019, Victorians will be able to install a solar panel system for half price and pay the rest of the cost back over four years with an interest-free loan. Those who purchase solar panels prior to July are eligible to apply for a rebate on their upfront costs.
More information about the Solar Homes package can be found at solar.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio
“We promised to put power back in the hands of Victorians and that’s exactly what we’re doing – helping people take control of their energy costs and make a real difference to the state’s long-term energy future.”
“Our Solar Homes program has already proved to be tremendously popular and is helping Victorians to save hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills.”
“We’re also expanding the Solar Homes to include rental properties, hot water systems and battery installations – giving Victorians a fair go and helping the environment.”
Nearly 7,000 Victorian households have installed solar panels since the Andrews Labor Government’s Solar Homes package was launched in late August last year, amounting to more than $3.4 million in rebates.
Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said around 1,600 households had already received a rebate, with many more solar installation projects underway, generating thousands of jobs across the state.
Melbourne’s growth suburbs are the busiest areas for new solar installations with Tarneit (212) topping the list followed by Clyde North (161), Craigieburn (131), Truganina (123) and Cranbourne East (98).
The Solar Homes Package is boosting supply, creating jobs and fighting climate change, while helping Victorian households cut their energy costs.
The Solar Homes package provides up to $2,225 to support the installation of solar panels – helping to ensure Victoria’s energy system is as affordable, resilient and secure as possible.
The Labor Government’s Solar Homes Package includes:
$1.24B for solar panels on 650,000 homes
$60M for solar hot water for 60,000 homes
$40M to support the purchase of batteries for 10,000 homes
$82M for solar panels on 50,0000 rental homes.
From 1 July 2019, Victorians will be able to install a solar panel system for half price and pay the rest of the cost back over four years with an interest-free loan. Those who purchase solar panels prior to July are eligible to apply for a rebate on their upfront costs.
More information about the Solar Homes package can be found at solar.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio
“We promised to put power back in the hands of Victorians and that’s exactly what we’re doing – helping people take control of their energy costs and make a real difference to the state’s long-term energy future.”
“Our Solar Homes program has already proved to be tremendously popular and is helping Victorians to save hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills.”
“We’re also expanding the Solar Homes to include rental properties, hot water systems and battery installations – giving Victorians a fair go and helping the environment.”
The Andrews Labor Government is empowering regional Victorians to prepare for and adapt to the real impacts of climate change through a new community grants program.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the $1 million Community Climate Change Adaptation (3CA) Grants program, which will support communities to adjust, build resilience and thrive in the face of a changing climate.
Grants of between $25,000 and $75,000 will be available for practical, locally driven projects that are helping their communities adapt to climate change.
Funding is available for two project categories:
Projects that build the adaptive capacity for communities and stakeholders to respond or adapt to climate change impacts in their region
Projects that deliver tangible actions that help our communities adapt to climate change impacts they are already facing.
As the Labor Government continues to lead the nation in climate change preparation, this latest funding program will generate and share learning on good practice approaches to community adaptation.
Eligible projects must either be led by, or implemented in partnership with, a local council, Traditional Owner corporation, community group or not-for-profit organisation.
The application period closes March 31. To apply, visit: climatechange.vic.gov.au/3CAgrants.
The grants are being delivered under the Labor Government’s Supporting our Regions to Adapt program, which is funded by the Sustainability Fund. The Sustainability Fund was created in 2005 to help foster community action or innovation in relation to the adaptation to climate change in Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“All our regions have their own unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to climate change which is why we need to support good ideas at a local level to build resilient communities in the face of a changing climate.”
“The Community Climate Change Adaptation Grants program will help get new and innovative ideas off the ground, while creating new relationships between communities, local governments and regional stakeholders.”
“This is another example of how we’re delivering real action on climate change in regional Victoria by investing in smart, local projects that will help communities build thriving, sustainable futures.”
The Andrews Labor Government is empowering regional Victorians to prepare for and adapt to the real impacts of climate change through a new community grants program.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the $1 million Community Climate Change Adaptation (3CA) Grants program, which will support communities to adjust, build resilience and thrive in the face of a changing climate.
Grants of between $25,000 and $75,000 will be available for practical, locally driven projects that are helping their communities adapt to climate change.
Funding is available for two project categories:
Projects that build the adaptive capacity for communities and stakeholders to respond or adapt to climate change impacts in their region
Projects that deliver tangible actions that help our communities adapt to climate change impacts they are already facing.
As the Labor Government continues to lead the nation in climate change preparation, this latest funding program will generate and share learning on good practice approaches to community adaptation.
Eligible projects must either be led by, or implemented in partnership with, a local council, Traditional Owner corporation, community group or not-for-profit organisation.
The application period closes March 31. To apply, visit: climatechange.vic.gov.au/3CAgrants.
The grants are being delivered under the Labor Government’s Supporting our Regions to Adapt program, which is funded by the Sustainability Fund. The Sustainability Fund was created in 2005 to help foster community action or innovation in relation to the adaptation to climate change in Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“All our regions have their own unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to climate change which is why we need to support good ideas at a local level to build resilient communities in the face of a changing climate.”
“The Community Climate Change Adaptation Grants program will help get new and innovative ideas off the ground, while creating new relationships between communities, local governments and regional stakeholders.”
“This is another example of how we’re delivering real action on climate change in regional Victoria by investing in smart, local projects that will help communities build thriving, sustainable futures.”