$10 million of funding available for small and medium hotels
The federal government has announced a new $10 million grant program (The Hotel Energy Uplift Program), designed to assist small and medium hotels reduce their energy use, improve energy productivity and deliver carbon abatement. It is hoped that the new program will also boost employment in the sector.
Hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes with up to 99 rooms will be able to access grants of up to $25,000 for energy-saving projects, with at least 400 grants on offer.
These grants will help hotels to reduce their energy bills by making upgrades to their air conditioning or refrigeration, improving their building fabric through measures such as windows, drapes and insulation, or investing in monitoring systems to better manage their energy use.
This will reduce energy costs for hotel operators and support the creation of direct and local jobs, including for electricians, carpenters, engineers, and plumbers.
The Hotel Energy Uplift Program – Key Points
- Total available grant funds of $10 million
- Individual grants available for up to $25,000
- Grant money to be spent on energy saving measures such as efficient air conditioning and insulation
- Applications open on 24 February 2021 and close on 1 April 2021 or otherwise when grant funding runs out.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the launch of the grants program comes at an important time, as the tourism and accommodation sector looks to get back on its feet.
“With patron limits and other restrictions in place to keep Australians safe, the hotel industry has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Taylor said.
“Energy costs are one of the biggest overheads for publicans and hotel owners, and these grants will reduce these operating costs and help them reinvest in their business during this critical time.
“With 80 per cent of small to medium hotels located in regional Australia, these grants will provide a significant boost to our regions.
“The upgrade projects will provide genuine and lasting energy savings, and will have a positive flow-on effect for jobs and small businesses.”
Applications open on 24 February 2021 and will close on 1 April 2021 or earlier if funding is exhausted.
Click here to read more about the guidelines behind the Hotel Energy Uplift Program.
Need assistance and want to know more?
Contact Holmans today;
Holmans Noosa: (07) 5430 7600 or email info@holmans.com.au
Holmans Maroochydore: (07) 5451 6888 or email infohm@holmans.com.au
