The Government is supporting dairy farmers across Indi to lower their power bills so they can reinvest in their business and employ more people.
Through the Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program, 21 dairy projects across Indi have been awarded grants of up to $20,000.
This will help dairy farmers to reduce their energy bills by upgrading to more energy efficient equipment such as vacuum pumps, cooling and heating equipment or lighting, investing in monitoring systems to better manage their energy use, or having energy audits done on their operations.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said dairy farmers are critical to the sustainability of regional Australia so it’s critical The Nationals in Government continue to support them.
“Our dairy farmers across North East Victoria and the Alpine Valleys are already among the most efficient in the industry and helping these businesses cut their power bills by becoming more energy efficient will ease the financial pressures they face while also reducing our emissions,” Senator McKenzie said.
“It’s a win-win.”
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government is supporting dairy farmers to invest in energy-saving activities for the benefit of their business and the country.
“Dairy farmers are at the centre of an industry every Australian relies on,” Minister Taylor said.
“With energy a significant cost of doing business in the dairy industry, these grants will help farmers lower their bills and help ensure the long-term viability of their businesses.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said energy use in milk cooling, milk harvesting and hot water production is one of the highest overheads in the dairy shed, so anything that can be done to reduce costs will help support the financial resilience of these farmers.
“Many businesses are struggling at the moment and dairy farmers, in particular, are continuing to do it tough in the drought and the aftermath of devastating bushfires,” Minister Littleproud said.
“These grants will provide welcome support at a time when so many in the agricultural sector are struggling.
The Energy Efficient Communities Program was announced as part of the Government’s $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package to deliver on Australia’s 2030 climate commitments.