Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, said that Community organisations can cut their energy bills and contribute to a greener future thanks to grants made available by the State Government.

Carolyn Male MP said that she is encouraging Queensland not-for-profit sporting and community groups to apply for solar grants to help them save on energy bills and reduce emissions.

The first round of Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) solar grants would close on 31 August 2010.

“By switching to solar energy, sporting and community groups can save on their electricity bills as well as reduce carbon emissions,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“Local not-for-profit sporting and community organisation may be eligible to receive grants to install solar panels or solar hot water systems at their facilities.”

“Their energy bills can range from several hundred dollars up to thousands each month so these grants have the potential to make a huge difference.”

“Harnessing the sun’s energy to save money and reduce our use of carbon-based electricity makes sense and is the bright thing to do.”

Eligible sporting and community organisations right across Queensland can apply for GCBF grants to support the purchase and installation of 1.5 kilowatt solar power PV (photovoltaic) panels and solar hot water systems.

By 2014, community groups doing the bright thing could be helping Queensland to avoid around 3600 megawatt hours of electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3600 tonnes per annum.

Information about eligibility criteria and applications for solar installations under the GCBF are available at www.olgr.qld.gov.au/grants.

For further information about Queensland Government solar energy initiatives visit www.qld.gov.au.