A re-elected Turnbull Government will invest $300,000 in environmental projects in Macarthur.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt, accompanied by Russell Matheson, the member for Macarthur, announce details of the projects yesterday on the site of the one of the beneficiaries, the Yummy Café and child care centre in Woodhouse Drive, Ambarvale.
Funding for Macarthur includes a new Green Army project for St Andrews and $100,000 through the Solar Communities Program for local community groups to install solar and battery storage.
Community organisations such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will be able to apply for funding of up to $15,000 through the Solar Communities Program.
“The YWCA Yummy Cafe will receive up to $15,000 to install a new solar PV system. A 5 KW solar PV system connected to a 10KWh could save $1,900 a year in lower electricity costs and around six tonnes of emissions,” Mr Hunt said.
Projects will be financed around the country as well as Macarthur with around 350 community groups nationwide expected to benefit from the expanded $5 million program.
“Unlike Labor, the Coalition is committed to tackling climate change without hiking up power bills for community groups, families and businesses and putting Australian jobs at risk,” Mr Matheson said.
The Macarthur Local Environment Plan also includes a new Green Army project, which will:
• Restore the Cumberland Plains Woodland and grasslands, and assist with its recovery plan;
• Control and removal of woody weeds and grasses, followed by replanting of native habitat;
• Improve Cumberland Plains Woodland with a focus on habitat for winter feeding of the nationally listed Swift Parrot.
The Green Army provides opportunities for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience which will assist them in the future to find jobs, while generating real benefits for the local environment.
The Green Army team will work in partnership with local community groups to deliver the project.
“I look forward to joining with the communities in Campbelltown and St Andrews to witness first-hand the benefits and improvements made to our local environment through the Green Army’s activities,” Mr Matheson said.
