Wellington Shire Council is extending its community grants program to help not-for-profit community facilities to reduce their energy usage and look for ways to achieve more sustainable practices.
Rebates of up to $500 are now available for community groups and organisations (not-for-profit) who engage an external energy auditor to review their annual energy consumption and submit a report on their facilities’ performance.
An energy audit can clarify a facilities’ energy consumption and identify areas for potential savings. It can lead to reduced energy usage, increased productivity, and opportunities to innovate.
Community facilities that consume an annual energy bill of over $1,000 (combined gas and electricity) are eligible to apply.
Schools are not eligible for rebates, and all applicants must be incorporated bodies or have an established legal entity (ABN).
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said that Council is committed to growing a climate resilient community with sustainable practices. This includes how we operate and support our many community facilities.
“Many not-for-profit community groups can’t afford the increases in energy costs; I encourage any community group to plan ahead, think about how they can save money in the future, and determine how they can minimise their impact to the environment by conducting an energy audit or assessment” Cr Bye Said.
Eligible participants approved under the Energy Audit Rebate scheme can now submit their application online at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/community/grants.
Applications will remain open until 30 March 2023, or until allocated funds are expended, whichever is earlier.
Applicants will receive a pre-approval notification and will be required to present their energy audit report and auditors receipt to receive the rebate by no later than 1 June 2023.
Applicants who have previously been successful in receiving Wellington Shire Council funding must have completed all acquittals and complied with Council requirements prior to being considered for the Energy Audit Rebate round.
