An energy efficient approach to community grants

Almost $13 million in gaming revenue is being returned to 588 community groups across Queensland in the latest round of grants from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said in recent months the Queensland Government had reaffirmed its commitment to funding sustainable energy initiatives and had encouraged not-for-profit community groups to take advantage of grants available to fund the installation of solar PVs and new technologies.

“Under the GCBF guidelines, eligible groups can apply for a number of facility improvements, including solar panel and system installation,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“In this round, more than 50 groups took advantage of this opportunity and about $1.1 million was distributed to groups to purchase, install or repair solar panels or systems at their facilities.

“With increased electricity prices continuing to impact our not-for-profit community organisations, the installation of these systems will prove more cost-effective for them in the long-term.

“It’s great to see community groups acting on climate change and taking advantage of some of the best solar resources in the world that Queensland has to offer.”

Mrs D’Ath said the GCFB, as the single statewide government funding program, distributed one-off grants of up to $35,000 (inclusive of GST) from gambling taxes to not-for-profit community groups across Queensland on a quarterly basis.

“Each year, about $53 million is directly returned to groups and clubs to develop and implement a range of projects which benefit their local communities,” she said.

“The GCBF committee received an overwhelming number of applications, and while not all were able to be funded in round 88, eligible groups are still encouraged to apply for funding in future rounds.

“The next round will open in mid-July and close on 31 August 2016.”

For further information visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/grants.

Media Contact: 0417 272 875