Small food and beverage manufacturers across the region have received federal government grants to cut their energy costs.
Seven manufacturers across the Corangamite and Corio electorates have received grants totalling more than $161,700 through the food and beverage round of the Energy Efficient Communities program to help them slash costs.
Farm Foods, Cabbage Truck Design, Bellarine Foods, Front Lawn Brewing, Beyond Boot Camp and Bellarine Distillery will all receive $25,000 grants, while Brewicolo will receive $11,700.
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.
“The food and beverage industry has been challenged through the pandemic and this funding aims to reduce some of the pressures of the cost of energy on business,” Victorian senator Sarah Henderson said.
“I look forward to this investment helping these critical businesses thrive and grow, creating jobs and opportunities for locals.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said helping small to medium businesses reduce overheads such as energy was a key way to support businesses in rebounding from the pandemic.
“This investment by the Morrison Government could amount to significant savings for these local small businesses making a noticeable difference to their bottom line,” he said.
Liberal candidate for Corio Manish Patel said the support would be vital for food manufacturers and hospitality businesses that “have been doing it tough”.
“This vital funding will slash expenses, putting more money back in the pockets of local business owners and support the creation of new jobs,” he said.
The Liberal Party has also committed to a $60 million Powering Business grants program and a $17.9 million expansion to the Business Energy Advice Program to help businesses cut their power costs if it was re-elected.
