Miles Doing What Matters: Lighting Up Manufacturing

• More than $6 million for Round 2 of Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant (MEEG) program to help Queensland manufacturers reduce energy use and save money
• Grants up to $50,000 available through Round 2 of the program, doubling the amount available under previous round
• Applications open 27 August 2024

The Miles Government is doing what matters for Queensland manufacturers, with a new grant round available to support businesses install energy efficient equipment and systems and drive down input costs. This builds on the Miles Governments’ strong track record of delivering over $240 million in grants and support to Queensland’s manufacturing industry, supporting businesses with cost of living and job creation.

Manufacturers across Queensland are being encouraged to take advantage of increased funding to introduce more energy efficient equipment, lighting or processes as part of their operations. Eligible manufacturers can now apply for funding through round 2 of MEEG to implement measures that will reduce energy consumption and drive down energy costs. Grants of up to $50,000 will be available through round 2 of the program, doubling the amount available under the previous round.

This unprecedented level of support will provide a huge boost to manufacturers, helping them to lower emissions and the cost of doing business, and to create more local manufacturing jobs.

In an exciting move for the industry, round 2 will fund 100% of eligible lighting projects and 75% of all other eligible projects, up to a maximum of $50,000.

Businesses like AZTEC Security Screens in Cairns are already seeing benefits thanks to a grant through Round 1 of MEEG. AZTEC received more than $14,000 to replace their aging petrol-gas forklift with a new and more efficient electric one, drastically reducing overall energy consumption, costs and carbon emissions of forklift operations at their Manunda facility.

AZTEC expects to save an estimated 7.3 gigajoules of energy, reduce emissions by about 1 tonne of carbon and cut costs by approximately $354 on a yearly basis.

Bradco, a joinery manufacturer completed a lighting project under Round 1, replacing over 300 lights with new LED lights at their facility in Clontarf. This change alone is set to save the business over $19,000 annually off their electricity bills.

These grants are providing real cost of living relief right now for businesses across Queensland and round 2 will build on that success. 

The MEEG program is part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and supports the state’s emissions targets.

 Applications for MEEG Round 2 will open from 27 August 2024, with applications closing 30 June 2025 or once funding is fully allocated.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher:

“Our government is committed to future-proofing Queensland’s manufacturing industry and supporting them to be more competitive in a low-carbon future. Round 2 of MEEG is now open, offering manufacturers the opportunity for even more support to reduce their energy use and costs.

“We know these measures are not only reducing costs for manufacturers but are also reducing emissions, which is why we have expanded Round 2. Manufacturers provided us with feedback during round 1 that support for lighting projects was a priority because these projects deliver real change to business emissions and energy bills almost immediately. So we have listened and thanks to round 2, will deliver more of this important support for our Queensland manufacturers.

“I encourage manufacturers to take advantage of this funding to increase their uptake of energy efficiency measures and opportunities that will boost the sustainability of their business.

“Unlike the LNP, we are doing what matters for Queensland manufacturers and providing even more direct financial support. When in government the LNP cut manufacturing support programs and 10,000 jobs were lost in the industry. They can’t even bring themselves to mention the word manufacturing so we know they don’t support manufacturing jobs in this state.”

Quotes attributable to Minister and Member for Cairns, Michael Healy:

“I’m so proud of the Miles Government’s manufacturing record in Cairns; with our funding support for manufacturers making a world of difference for local businesses.

“It’s fantastic to AZTEC Security Screens able to save an estimated 7.3 gigajoules of energy and cut costs annually, thanks to this funding!”

Quotes attributable to AZTEC Security Screens Director, Cliff Bailey:

“Queensland Government funding has been vital in helping our family-run business to leverage the opportunities presented by modern, more energy efficient equipment and grow the sustainability of our operations.

“Upgrading our forklift is a simple change that is already delivering significant benefits for our energy consumption and our bottom line.

“This next round of the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant program means more local manufacturers, just like us, can do the same.”

Further Information:

Queensland manufacturers seeking more information about project eligibility criteria, key timeframes and assessment criteria should visit www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/MEEG.

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004