Ocean Grove business welcomes energy grant

AN OCEAN Grove business has been announced as the latest recipient of a federal government energy grant, which aims to assist local business to cut energy costs.

Adelia Fine Foods has received $24,000 to upgrade machinery as part of its assembly line.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker announced the funding earlier this month.

The funding from the Energy Efficient Grant program will allow the business to replace an energy intense chocolate tempering machine, providing a 50 per cent decrease in power consumption.

Adelia Fine Foods is the second local recipient in the latest round of grant program, following Bells Beach Brewing.

Business owner Adelia Trethowan explained the business employs 25 local works and applied for the funding round as it aligns with the business’ objective to save energy output.

“One of our values is in relation to sustainability and looking after the planet, so any areas where we can reduce our impact on the planet,” Ms Trethowan said.

“We identified two old machines which were big and bulky, but also took too much energy to get up and running and weren’t very efficient in power consumption and time for our employees.

“With the support of this grant, we’re excited to take this important step toward greater energy efficiency in our operations. This upgrade not only benefits our business but also reflects our dedication to sustainability.”

Ms Coker congratulated the team on their successful grant application.

“I was lucky enough to check out the work they do behind the scenes to make their amazing food, and without giving too much away, it’s like walking into Willy Wonka’s factory but with an absolute focus on nutrition.

“There are so many small businesses across our region who are doing amazing things, and I’m here to support them.

“We know that our communities are doing it tough with the global cost of living challenge, and programs like this will help small businesses take control of their energy use, reduce costs and reduce emissions.”

Other purposes the grant funding can be allocated to include replacing inefficient hot water systems with modern heat pump technology, swapping energy draining lights for new LEDs, as well as commercial refrigeration upgrades.

The latest round has supported more than 1,700 small and medium businesses nationally, with $41.2 million in grants.