FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS LEFT IN THE DARK ABOUT GRANTS – Kalleske Wines

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.

Troy Kalleske of Kalleske Wines in Moppa was successful in a funding grant for $25,000 under the EEC program to increase winery cooling efficiency through a new modern evaporative colling tower.

Mr Kalleske said due to the uncertainty of funding he hadn’t ordered the equipment he was planning to purchase and in the months that have passed it is now considerably more expensive.

Joseph Evans of Ballycroft Vineyards and Cellars in Greenock said since receiving the initial quote for the condenser upgrade to be purchased with the $16,364 grant, the electrician has since retired.

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730