The first round of the Federal Government’s new Community Energy Upgrades Fund is now open to applications from local governments, including those in regional areas.
Grants of between $25,000 and $2,500,000 are available to councils across Australia to invest in energy-saving measures including to replace swimming pool heating systems with electric heat pumps, battery storage at sporting fields and the installation of electric vehicle chargers for council fleets.
Regional and rural councils are especially encouraged to apply as the assessment criteria (criterion 4) considers the constraints of delivering energy projects in regional areas.
Round one applications are open until 30 April 2024, with grants awarded on merit.