Small and medium food and beverage manufacturers across the Mid North Coast now can apply for a grant of up to $25,000 each to save money on energy bills, improve energy efficiency and adopt new energy technologies under the latest $19.9 million round of the Energy Efficient Communities (EEC) program.
The grants can be used to replace existing equipment with more energy efficient models, carry out energy audits, or improve energy monitoring and management.
Pat Conaghan, Federal Nationals Member for Cowper, said the funding will help manufacturing businesses lower their power bills and emissions.
The food and beverage manufacturing industry is the largest manufacturing sector in Australia, contributing around $22.4 billion to the economy. The NSW Nationals in the federal government are supporting this vital sector of the economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Lowering business energy emissions is an essential component of securing Australia’s carbon neutral future” Mr Conaghan said.
“I look forward to seeing our home-grown and world-class local businesses benefiting from the Federal Government’s commitment to back business as part of our journey to becoming carbon neutral.”
Mr Conaghan said the program specifically targets food and beverage manufacturers to capture some of the most energy intensive small and medium businesses in Australia.
“Initiatives such as this are part of the Government’s focus on technology, not taxes, to boost competitiveness, creates new jobs and sensibly reduce Australia’s environmental footprint.”
Applications close on February 18, 2022, or earlier if funding is exhausted prior.
More information, grant guidelines and application forms are available at www.business.gov.au/EECFB, or telephone on 13 28 46.
