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    Great Western Hotel publican Bruce Ahchow.

Energy ‘uplift’ for small hotels

Great Western Hotel and Halls Gap’s Gariwerd Motel are among recipients of grants designed to cut energy costs ‘so they can invest in their business, employ more Australians and get ahead’.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said 11 small and medium hotels across Wannon electorate would receive support from the Federal Government’s $10.2-million Hotel Energy Uplift Program, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.

He said the grants would help fund projects that would provide genuine and lasting energy savings and reduce operating costs.

Great Western Hotel will receive $25,000 for upgrades and Gariwerd Motel $25,000 towards an energy-efficiency program.



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“The grants will help businesses to lower their energy bills by upgrading to more energy efficient air-conditioning, refrigeration and equipment, improving the building through double glazing and insulation, carrying out energy audits or installing energy monitoring equipment,” Mr Tehan said.

“This will help local operators to save on energy costs, putting more money back in their pockets and supporting the creation of new jobs, including for local electricians, carpenters, engineers and plumbers.” 

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Australia’s hotel industry was among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we secure Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, backing businesses to get ahead is a key priority of the government,” he said.

“More than 85 percent of the grants awarded will go to hotels in regional or remote Australia, providing a significant boost to our regions. 

“This is good news for tourist destinations welcoming back visitors after COVID-19-related restrictions.”

The entire June 16, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!