Funding Available for Innovative Eco-efficient Queensland Businesses

Queensland businesses are being encouraged to apply for State Government funding of up to $150,000 for innovative initiatives to reduce water and energy consumption, carbon output, and waste generation.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the funding is available through ecoBiz, a partnership program run by the Environmental Protection Agency designed to help Queensland businesses adopt eco-efficient practices.

“Funding assists businesses undertake initiatives that address major carbon, energy, waste and water resource challenges for Queensland, ” Mr McNamara said.

“This helps secure a future that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable,

“In addition to the positive outcomes for the environment, ecoBiz-sponsored projects provide beneficial business outcomes of competitive advantage, stronger market position and growth.

“Projects supported by the program demonstrate their ability to reduce their water and energy consumption, and carbon and waste output.

“The ecoBiz program helps place businesses at the forefront of eco-efficient practices, which ultimately help reduce greenhouse emissions and mitigate global warming.”

“A wide range of eco-efficient initiatives have already been funded including: water treatment methods, increased efficiency of resource usage, and reduced energy and waste output.

Information about the program and case studies of businesses involved with the ecoBiz program can be found at www.epa.qld.gov.au/ecobiz.

Rebate applications must be received by 14 March, with eco-efficient initiatives expected to commence by mid 2008.

Further information is available at www.epa.qld.gov.au/ecobiz or contact the ecoBiz call centre on 1300 369 388.

Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004