Australian food and beverage manufacturers across Australia looking to lower their energy costs and reduce emissions have been snubbed by the Albanese Labor Government.
After more than 100 days in Government, Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen have failed to deliver small grants to 800 businesses such as wineries, breweries, coffee roasters, bakers and ice-cream makers that were successful applicants in the Energy Efficiency Communities (EEC) grants program.
The EEC program made grants of between $10,000 and $25,000 available through a competitive process for businesses to implement energy efficiency practices and technologies, and better manage energy consumption to reduce their power bills.
Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien says the Albanese Labor Government must put politics aside and honour the $19.9 million investment.
“Energy costs are one of the biggest overheads for any business and the Albanese Labor Government has left 800 Australian food and beverage manufacturers in the dark for over 100 days since coming to office,” Mr O’Brien said.
“These food and beverage manufacturers are grappling with soaring power prices and Albanese and Bowen have got the handbrake on.
“Labor must honour the commitment made to these businesses to help them reduce their energy costs.”
Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said there were fifteen local businesses across Wannon who have been forced to put their project on hold as Labor stalls.
“Every day that Labor delays ultimately means higher power prices for these small businesses,” Mr Tehan said.
“I call on the Albanese Labor Government to quit playing politics and to provide these businesses with the certainty they require by honouring this investment.”
Successful projects were chosen through a competitive grants process led by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources after considering them for eligibility and completeness.
One of the local grant recipients ‘Sow and Piglets Breweries’, Port Campbell received confirmation that their project was successful in early May.
The grant would have enabled the business to increase the efficiencies of their brewing system and assist in reducing their energy costs.
Owner of Sow and Piglets, John Moloney said he was hopeful the Albanese government would honour the commitment of the grant.
