FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS LEFT IN THE DARK ABOUT GRANTS – Rollbusch Quality Meats

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP has written to the Federal Labor Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP urging him to release funding to 34 businesses in Barker who were successful in applications for funding through the Energy Efficiency Communities (EEC) grants program announced more than five months ago.

The 34 local businesses in Barker join more than 750 others across Australia who were to receive grants between $10,000 and $25,000 made available through a competitive process for businesses to implement energy efficiency practices and technologies, and better manage energy consumption to reduce their power bills.

“Australian food and beverage manufacturers across Australia looking to lower their energy costs and reduce emissions have been snubbed by the Albanese Labor Government” Mr Pasin said.

“The Government’s failure to deliver the small grants is causing issues within the small businesses who have budgeted based on this funding being delivered.

“It’s causing angst and uncertainty in our food and beverage manufacturing sector when they can least afford it” Mr Pasin said.

Successful projects were chosen through a competitive grants process led by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources after considering them for eligibility.

Nigel Rollbusch owner and manager of Rollbusch Quality Meats in Waikerie and Barmera who was successful in a funding grant for $24,800 under the EEC program said he was hoping the grant would help address his energy costs.

“As a retail butcher business employing eleven people in my businesses, we consume large amounts of electricity ($11000 a quarter) between two butcher shops,” said Mr Rollbusch.

“With the increasing cost of running a business our input prices are out of control we were relying on the grant to purchase more efficient compressor and fan’s for our large display cases which would save us $5k a year in electricity. This doesn’t sound much but every bit counts.

“My wife and myself spent hours preparing the grant and we will be very disappointed if this grant isn’t followed through small businesses like ours need help now.”

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730