Canberra’s small and medium food and beverage manufacturers are receiving Federal Government support to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business, employ more locals, and get ahead.
Six food and beverage businesses across the nation’s capital have received grants of up to $25,000 from the food and beverage round of the Energy Efficient Communities program.
“Today, we’re announcing grants to support six great Canberra businesses become more energy efficient, help lower their power costs, and enable them to grow,” said Liberal Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja.
The $134,760 in total funding will help ACT businesses lower their energy bills and reduce emissions by upgrading to more energy efficient appliances (including refrigeration), carrying out energy audits, and installing energy monitoring equipment.
The businesses include BentSpoke Brewing in Mitchell, which will implement energy monitoring at their cannery; Jasper and Myrtle Chocolates in Fyshwick, which will upgrade their sugar mill and water chiller; and Mount Majura Vineyard, which will upgrade the insulation of their wine tank.
Angus Taylor, Federal Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, said reducing overheads like energy was a key part of supporting businesses to rebound from the pandemic.
“Backing manufacturers in the ACT to get ahead is a key priority of the Morrison Government,” Mr Taylor said.
“The food and beverage industry underpins a stronger Australian economy as the largest manufacturing sector, employing one in four manufacturing workers.
“This is why we are backing them to be more competitive through these grants to lower their power costs, putting more money back in their pockets, and supporting the creation of new jobs across the Canberra region.”
The Energy Efficient Communities Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Grants program opened in January, for grants of between $10,000 and $25,000 available to food and beverage manufacturing businesses with under 200 employees.
The Liberal politicians promised a re-elected Morrison Government would continue to support small and medium businesses cut their energy costs through a new $60 million Powering Business grants program and a $17.9 million expansion to the Business Energy Advice Program.
Senator Seselja said only the Morrison Government has a plan to deliver a strong economy and support small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and employ thousands of Canberrans.”
