Solar Energy Rebate
The government has recognised the particular circumstances facing those whose homes were destroyed by the Victorian bushfires, and has made a change to the Solar Hot Water Rebate (SHWR) under the Energy Efficient Homes Package. Extensions to the time frame to install solar panel systems are being offered for people in bushfire affected areas whose pre approval applications were sent on or before 9 June 2009. Further information is available at http://www.environment.gov.au/erergyefficiency/solarhotwater/index.html
Additionally Solar Credits are now available as an up-front cost subsidy to all households, businesses and community groups, for systems installed from 9 June 2009 onwards. Further information on Solar Credits can be found at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/renewabletarget/publications
or telephone 1800 057 590.
Funding application
Council recently made an application for funding as part of Round One of the Australian Government Jobs Fund for a number of projects. The applications for Bollygum Park and the Car Museum in Marysville were successful, but unfortunately the application for funding to undertake a major upgrade at the Yea Saleyards Complex was unsuccessful. The saleyards application included roofing the entire yards to significantly improve animal welfare and occupational health and safety. The Saleyards Committee of Management is currently endeavouring to secure funding from other programs.
Volunteers
Berry Street and Family Care are working together to establish a Volunteer Resource Center. They are seeking to create a central databank of volunteers to create a more streamlined volunteer service for the bushfire affected communities.
They key objectives are:
In effect they aim to provide a one-stop volunteer supermarket. It is anticipated that the Volunteer Resource Centre will provide a valuable and rewarding service to the residents and visitors of the Murrindindi Shire.
|