By JONATHON HOWARD
SOUTHERN Downs’ fruit growers could slash their energy bills by up to 20 per cent under a new energy efficiency project launched recently.
Apple and Pear Australia’s Watts in Your Business project, funded by the Federal Government’s Energy Efficiency Information Grants (EEIG) program, aims to help around 2600 apple, pear, summer fruit and cherry growers make significant energy savings.
Apple and Pear Australian Limited (APAL) was one of 18 groups in round two to secure EEIG program funding in the form of a $636,970 grant.
In a statement, APAL managing director Jon Durham said energy costs were the second largest cost faced by fruit growers with electricity costs comprising 17 per cent of total operating costs for orchards and pack houses.
“A recent study conducted by the Department of the Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Victoria revealed that energy costs could be reduced by almost 20 per cent through cost effective energy saving opportunities with short-payback periods,” Mr Durham said.
“The new project will assist growers to identify where cost savings can be made and the steps to achieve them, helping to increase profitability.
“Growers will be able to see first-hand where potential energy savings could be made and will contribute to reducing Australia’s environmental footprint – and that’s a win for all Australians.”
Mr Durham said the first step in the project was a survey of grower awareness of, and attitudes towards ways to save energy on their properties and within packing sheds. From the survey responses, sites for the energy audits will be selected.
Growers will be contacted by APAL, or by partners Summerfruit Australia Limited (SAL) and Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) to gauge interest in participating in the project.
“The project will conduct 30 energy audits throughout the 10 temperate fruit production regions across Australia to identify energy saving opportunities. The audit findings will then be presented to growers in a series of workshops in pack houses around Australia,” Mr Durham said.
Resources and Energy and Small Business Minister Gary Gray launched the project on Friday, which was funded by revenue from the carbon price.
“Using energy audits, workshops, seminars, case studies and hands-on demonstrations, this project sees government, business and industry working together to understand the benefits energy efficiency can bring to small business,” Mr Gray said.
Watts in Your Business uses trusted sources, like peak industry bodies, to disseminate the information and tools, ensuring buy-in and engagement from time-poor fruit growers.
“Through the EEIG program, we are engaging industry associations and non-profit organisations that have the networks and experience to help small and medium businesses from a range of sectors make informed decisions about energy efficiency,” he said.
As part of the program, ongoing guidance and support is also offered to participants as they implement their energy efficiency plans.
“Industry sectors covered by EEIG include tourism and hospitality, food manufacturing, retail businesses, child care and health services, and agriculture.”
In total, EEIG will reach over 200,000 businesses and 70,000 community organisations through $34.3 million in funding.
A total of 46 projects have been funded by EEIG across the country, with more than half to be delivered at a national level.
