Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP has announced that a local Torquay business will receive support to take control of their energy bills thanks to the latest round of energy efficiency grants.
Bells Beach Brewing in Torquay received a grant of more than $23,000, with Ms Coker visiting the brewery to congratulate the local business.
Ms Coker said the government grants allow for upgrades that include replacing inefficient hot water systems with modern heat pump technology, swapping energy draining lights for new LEDs, and commercial refrigeration upgrades.
Round 2 of the Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Program awarded grants of up to $25,000.
The Albanese Government is delivering more than $41 million to help more than 1,700 small businesses upgrade facilities to take control of their energy bills and lower emissions.
These grants are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to ease the cost of doing business, working alongside the $325 energy rebate for around 1 million small businesses across the country.
Ms Coker’s announcement of Bells Beach Brewing as a grant recipient follows the Albanese Government’s $641.1 million investment in targeted supports for small businesses announced in the 2024-25 Federal Budget.
This included a further targeted 12‑months of the $20,000 instant asset write‑off.
The Government is also reducing the administrative burden for small business by abolishing 457 tariffs and delivering $10 million to provide additional support for small business employers administering the Paid Parental Leave scheme.
Additional information regarding the Albanese Government’s Small Business Statement can be accessed here: Budget 2024–25 Small Business Fact sheet.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP:
"These grants will make a positive difference for many amazing small businesses like Bells Beach Brewing.
“I’d like to congratulate Jono and the team on their successful grant application.
“Our government is committed to supporting small businesses to make energy performance upgrades that otherwise may not have been possible.
"Energy performance improvements help small businesses take control of their energy use, while reducing emissions.
“The support offered through these grants is all part of our commitment to deliver a better deal for small businesses across the country.”
Quotes attributable to Jonothon Muscrop, Bells Beach Brewing:
“It’s awesome, it means we’ll be able to do a feasibility study on pre-heating our water with heat pumps which are a lot more efficient and also use more of our solar power on-site rather than exporting it to the grid.
“That means we don’t have to draw as much energy which will reduce our costs.”
