Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Empowering Eastern Victorians to take charge of their energy bills Government project that will support and bring community owned and operated renewable energy. By news@gippsland - 4th March 2021 - Back to News The Andrews Labor Government is giving local communities across Eastern Victoria the power to drive down their energy bills with major investments in community renewable energy. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the program will play an integral role in bringing community-owned renewable energy projects to life.
Expansion of the Community Power Hubs program will support the development of community-owned and operated renewable energy
Community Power Hubs program expansion
The Labor Government announced the expansion of the Community Power Hubs program to support the development of community-owned and operated renewable energy projects across the state, based on the successful pilot program that ran from 2017 to 2020. The program is offering more than $3.3 million in grants to community organisations to establish and Community Power Hubs across in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Each hub will be led by a local not-for-profit or social enterprise organisation and will bring together organisations from across the region to work together to deliver community projects. The hubs will provide the resources, expertise and start-up funding required to successfully develop projects such as solar panel installations on community facilities and solar bulk buy programs for local businesses.
The Victorian Government established the Community Power Hubs pilot program in 2017 to leverage local expertise and get community energy projects off the ground in the regional areas of Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley.
During the three-year pilot, the three hubs supported 43 projects and saved project host organisations a total of $437,000 a year on energy bills, while reducing carbon emissions by 4,100 tonnes annually – the equivalent of taking more than 1,240 cars off the road. For more information and to apply, visit power hubs programs.
Program for emission reduction
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said, "The Community Power Hubs program will contribute to emission reductions right across Victoria. It will support grassroots renewable projects and get more renewable energy into our grid."
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "The community owned and operated hubs will help drive investment in regions like ours, while creating jobs and reducing energy bills, I encourage local community groups in Eastern Victoria to come together and take advantage of the program."
Pictures from Sustainability Victoria Facebook Page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Darren Chester welcomes Aqua Energy redevelopment completion with modern aquatic, fitness, community facilities
Darren Chester welcomed the upcoming completion of Aqua Energy's multi-million-dollar redevelopment in Sale, delivering modern pools and accessible facilities, boosting community health, sport, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional wellbeing. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes. - Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025. - Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation. - Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
|
|