Small and medium hotels across Cairns and Far North Queensland are receiving support from the Morrison Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business and create local jobs.
Seventeen* local businesses have been awarded grants of up to $25,000 under the Morrison Government’s $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program.
The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.
Hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms were eligible to receive grants under the program.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the grants would help fund projects that will provide genuine and lasting energy savings and reduce operating costs for local hotels.
He said these grants will help local businesses lower their energy bills by upgrading to more energy efficient air-conditioning, refrigeration and equipment, improving the building through double glazing and insulation, carrying out energy audits or installing energy monitoring equipment.
“These grants will help local operators to save on energy costs, putting more money back in their pockets and supporting the creation of new jobs, including for local electricians, carpenters, engineers, and plumbers,” Mr Entsch said.
Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said Australia’s hotel industry was among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the Morrison Government is committed to helping local operators get back on their feet.
“As we secure Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, backing businesses to get ahead is a key priority of the Morrison Government,” Mr Taylor.
“More than 85 per cent of the grants awarded will go to hotels in regional or remote Australia, providing a significant boost to our regions.
“This is good news for tourist destinations welcoming back visitors after COVID-19-related restrictions.”
*Successful applicants across Cairns and Far North Queensland include:
- Ramada City Centre: $25,000
- Southside International: $25,000
- Cairns City Sheridan: $25,000
- Coral Tree Inn: $25,000
- Cairns Rainbow Resort: $24,900
- Queens Court Hotel: $25,000
- Safari Lodge, Cape Tribulation: $25,000
- Ferntree Rainforest Lodge, Cape Tribulation: $25,000
- Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Oak Beach: $25,000
- Sarayi Hotel: $25,000
- Mango Lagoon Resort: $21,000
- Pink Flamingo Resort, Port Douglas: $25,000
- A Tropical Nite, Port Douglas: $23,157
- Lazy Lizard Motor Inn, Port Douglas: $25,000
- Lychee Tree Holiday Apartment, Port Douglas: $13,062
- Seachange Beachfront Apartments: $22,324
- Amaroo at Trinity: $23,655