The Palaszczuk Government is delivering yet another cost-of-living support package to further ease pressures, this time benefiting renters and vulnerable households.
Groups of low-income earners, renters, people living with disabilities and First Nations people will be equipped to better manage their energy usage and reduce their bills following the Palaszczuk Government’s partnership with non-government organisations as part of the $10 million Enable Grants Program.
Grants will be available to NGOs for projects that could include home energy consultations and energy-saving devices.
Between $50,000 and $500,000 of funding will be available for small-to-medium projects, while larger projects could be awarded funding between $500,000 and $1 million.
Non-government organisations are encouraged to develop value-for-money proposals with significant reach and impact, either individually or in partnership with other organisations.
The program is a key action of the Palaszczuk Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan, which will ensure every Queenslander has access to clean, reliable and affordable electricity for generations.
The Enable Grants Program follows significant cost of living measures announced by the Palaszczuk Government, including the largest electricity bill support package in the nation, delivering bill-relief to all Queenslanders.
Senior and concession card holders will get the greatest relief, receiving total support of $1,072 per household, while all remaining households will automatically receive a $550 rebate on their electricity bills this financial year.
Additionally, an estimated 40,000 Queenslanders will soon be able to access between $300 - $1,000 to purchase or install new energy efficient appliances.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni:
“The Enable Grants Program will help our most vulnerable Queenslanders put the power back in their hands, and money back in their pockets – delivering them practical solutions to save money and electricity.
“We are proud to be doing our part to help the most vulnerable Queenslanders feeling cost-of-living pressures, and this is just another way we are helping those in the community feeling the financial pinch.
“This program will provide additional assistance to thousands of Queenslanders, including renters, low-income families, pensioners and other households experiencing vulnerability, to save energy and slash power bills.
“The Palaszczuk Government will always do what we can to help Queenslanders with cost-of-living relief, including through $550 electricity-bill rebates for all Queensland households, and additional payments for seniors and concession card holders, totalling $1,072.
“Through these measures, we are driving down prices in the short term, while our transition to a renewable energy future will drive down prices in the long term – meaning cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy for generations to come.
“Because Queenslanders own the majority of the state’s energy system, we can put people before profits and deliver programs like the Enable Grants Program to directly help those Queenslanders who need it most.
“I acknowledge the work of the Power Together coalition for their advocacy on behalf of vulnerable Queenslanders.”
Quotes attributable to the CEO of Queensland Council of Social Service, Aimee McVeigh:
“QCOSS is really excited to see the Queensland Government release $10 million to enable community organisations to work closely with people on low incomes to make sure they’re managing their energy bills.
This is money that will help community organisations work directly with vulnerable people to make sure that they are managing their energy bills as well as they can.”
Quotes attributable to David Copeman, the Director of the Queensland Conservation Council:
“We look forward to seeing what outcomes this delivers for the community, and welcome this program on behalf of vulnerable Queenslanders.”
Further information
Guidelines for non-government organisations are available at: www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/enable-grants-program
- At a time when electricity bill increases are being seen across Australia and the rest of the world, Cost of Living Rebates will fully offset typical Queensland household electricity bill increases in 2023-24.
- All Queensland households will automatically receive a $550 rebate off their electricity bills, while eligible seniors and concession card holders can apply to receive further rebates, totalling $1,072.
- Small businesses will also benefit, with about 205,000 eligible small businesses receiving a $650 rebate on electricity bills in 2023-24 to cut the cost of doing business in Queensland.
- $22 million has been announced to provide rebates of between $300- $1,000 for Queensland households to purchase or install new energy efficient appliances.
- On top of the $10 million Enable Grants Program, the recent Queensland Budget also allocated $60 million over two years to deliver energy efficiency measures and advice to tens of thousands of eligible Queensland households.
