Small and medium food and beverage manufacturers across Dobell are receiving support from the Morrison Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business, employ more locals and get ahead.
Through the food and beverage round of the Energy Efficient Communities program, four manufacturers in Dobell, including Paul Maddock, Australian Beverage Contract Filling, M Hambe & C Phegan and Zentient Culture have received grants of $16,000 - $25,000.
The funding will help lower their energy bills and reduce emissions by upgrading to more energy efficient appliances including refrigeration, carrying out energy audits and installing energy monitoring equipment.
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said a key way to support businesses in rebounding from the pandemic is by reducing overheads like energy.
“This investment by the Morrison Government could amount to significant savings for these Central Coast businesses making a noticeable difference to their bottom line,” Minister Taylor said.
“The food and beverage industry underpins a stronger Central Coast economy and we are backing businesses to be more competitive through these grants to lower their power costs, putting more money back in their pockets and supporting the creation of new jobs in the Dobell region.”
Liberal Candidate for Dobell, Dr Michael Feneley, said the funding for Central Coast businesses would go a long way to cutting costs.
“The food and beverage industry has been doing it really tough over the past few years and the cost of power can really hold back growth,” Dr Feneley said.
“This is an important industry, particularly in the Central Coast and I look forward to this investment helping these businesses to thrive and grow, creating jobs and opportunities for locals.”
The Energy Efficient Communities Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Grants program opened in January 2022, for grants of between $10,000 and $25,000 available to food and beverage manufacturing businesses with under 200 employees.
A re-elected Morrison Government will continue to support small and medium businesses cut their energy costs through a new $60 million Powering Business grants program, and a $17.9 million expansion to the Business Energy Advice Program.
Only the Morrison Government has a plan to create a strong economy and a stronger future for Dobell.