The Galaxy Motel at Gosford RSL Club has received a $25,000 grant from the Federal Government to help cut its energy costs.
The Government’s $10.2M Hotel Energy Uplift Program is designed to help venues cut energy costs so they can invest more in their business.
RSL Club CEO, Russell Cooper, said the program was a “fantastic opportunity” for accommodation providers.
“When we saw these grants had become available, we are able to push ahead with a couple of projects we had been thinking about to reduce energy consumption,” Cooper said.
“We will be tinting the windows in all rooms to reduce heat load and replacing a lot of the air conditioning units.
“Quite a lot of our old units are very inefficient and the main cost in any hotel is heating and cooling the rooms.
“With the tinting of the windows and the new more efficient air conditioning units we will be able to see a significant reduction in our energy consumption.
“This is a fantastic idea from the Government.
“A lot of other accommodation providers are doubtless in the same position – especially coming off the back of COVID.
Grants can be used to upgrade to more energy efficient air-conditioning, refrigeration and equipment, improve the building through double glazing and insulation, carry out energy audits or install energy monitoring equipment.
Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the grants would help fund projects that will provide genuine and lasting energy savings and reduce operating costs.
“These grants will help local operators to save on energy costs, putting more money back in their pockets and supporting the creation of new jobs, including for local electricians, carpenters, engineers, and plumbers,” Wicks said.
The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9B investment in new energy technologies, which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.
Hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms were eligible to receive grants under the program.
Source:
Media release, Jun 11
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks