Low Carbon Communities funding opportunity

The Australian Government is supporting community and household action on climate change through Low Carbon Communities. Support will be provided to local councils, community organisations and low income households through the following funding streams:

-  The $200 million Community Energy Efficiency Program (formerly the Low Carbon Communities Program) will support energy efficiency upgrades to council and community-use buildings, facilities and lighting.

-  The $100 million Low Income Energy Efficiency Program will support consortia of local councils, community organisations and energy service companies to trial energy efficiency approaches in low income households.

-  The $30 million Household Energy and Financial Sustainability Scheme will assist low income households find more sustainable ways to manage their energy consumption.

In addition, the government will deliver a fourth stream known as the Charities Maritime and Aviation Support Program. This program will offer a rebate for the carbon price impact on essential maritime and aviation fuels used by organisations such as air and sea rescue services.

For further details, please see the DCCEE website at: http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/initiatives/low-carbon-communities.aspx

Many of EMRC's member councils are in an excellent position to seek funding under the program. EMRC's environmental services team is able to provide assistance and support to councils through their ACER and Future Proofing projects, and is in the process of developing an Energy Auditing Service.