The Queensland government said a new grant round is available to support businesses install energy efficient equipment and systems and drive down input costs. This builds on the Miles Government’s strong track record of delivering over $240 million in grants and support to Queensland’s manufacturing industry, supporting businesses with cost of living and job creation.
Manufacturers across Queensland are being encouraged to take advantage of increased funding to introduce more energy efficient equipment, lighting or processes as part of their operations. Eligible manufacturers can now apply for funding through round 2 of MEEG to implement measures that will reduce energy consumption and drive down energy costs. Grants of up to $50,000 will be available through round 2 of the program, doubling the amount available under the previous round.
This unprecedented level of support will provide a huge boost to manufacturers, helping them to lower emissions and the cost of doing business, and to create more local manufacturing jobs.
In an exciting move for the industry, round 2 will fund 100% of eligible lighting projects and 75% of all other eligible projects, up to a maximum of $50,000.
Businesses like AZTEC Security Screens in Cairns are already seeing benefits thanks to a grant through Round 1 of MEEG. AZTEC received more than $14,000 to replace their aging petrol-gas forklift with a new and more efficient electric one, drastically reducing overall energy consumption, costs and carbon emissions of forklift operations at their Manunda facility.
AZTEC expects to save an estimated 7.3 gigajoules of energy, reduce emissions by about 1 tonne of carbon and cut costs by approximately $354 on a yearly basis.
Bradco, a joinery manufacturer completed a lighting project under Round 1, replacing over 300 lights with new LED lights at their facility in Clontarf. This change alone is set to save the business over $19,000 annually off their electricity bills.
These grants are providing real cost of living relief right now for businesses across Queensland and round 2 will build on that success.
The MEEG program is part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and supports the state’s emissions targets.
Applications for MEEG Round 2 will open from 27 August 2024, with applications closing 30 June 2025 or once funding is fully allocated.
“Our government is committed to future-proofing Queensland’s manufacturing industry and supporting them to be more competitive in a low-carbon future,” Queensland Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher said. “Round 2 of MEEG is now open, offering manufacturers the opportunity for even more support to reduce their energy use and costs.”
“We know these measures are not only reducing costs for manufacturers but are also reducing emissions, which is why we have expanded Round 2. Manufacturers provided us with feedback during round 1 that support for lighting projects was a priority because these projects deliver real change to business emissions and energy bills almost immediately. So we have listened and thanks to round 2, will deliver more of this important support for our Queensland manufacturers.”
“I encourage manufacturers to take advantage of this funding to increase their uptake of energy efficiency measures and opportunities that will boost the sustainability of their business.”
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