Retrofits bring power savings and jobs for Bendigo and Shepparton
28 May 2009
Power bills for 400 drought-affected farmers will be slashed and up to 20 new jobs will be created in Bendigo and Shepparton under a program announced by Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings today.
The Energy and Water Task Force provides free energy and water retrofits for the homes of drought-affected farmers receiving Commonwealth Government Exceptional Circumstances Relief payments.
In addition, a partnership with the Brumby Labor Government and the Mission Australia charity will see 20 long-term unemployed people from the Bendigo and Shepparton areas gain employment and skills training as members of the Energy and Water Task Force.
"By improving the energy efficiency of their homes, the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to help drought-affected farmers in the Bendigo and Shepparton areas cut their energy bills and help their money go further," Mr Jennings said.
"Previous recipients of the program found their electricity bills were reduced by around 9 per cent and their gas bills by about 16 per cent. The vast majority of householders report their home is more comfortable in winter as a result of the work of the Energy and Water Task Force."
The Brumby Labor Government is contributing $240,000 towards the delivery of the Bendigo and Shepparton project as part of its $10.5 million commitment to the Energy and Water Task Force.
The 20 long-term unemployed people will be given employment and skills training in how to retrofit homes to make them more environmentally friendly through sustainable water and energy measures.
The Task Force will retrofit homes over the next year. The program follows the launch of similar programs in the Latrobe Valley and Doveton neighbourhood renewal areas in January.
Since 2003, the Energy and Water Task Force has retrofitted 5000 homes in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne. The program targets low-income households feeling the pinch of utility bills. Around 8000 more homes are planned to be targeted over the next three or four years.
"The Energy and Water Task Force has the triple benefit of helping people save money, creating jobs and helping the environment," said Mr Jennings.
"It's a great example of the kind of the work the Brumby Labor Government is doing to help Victoria become more sustainable."
Eligible farmers can register for the program by contacting Mission Australia on (03) 5831 5803.
