Solar push for homes in need

THE Bendigo Sustainability Group has announced, Giving Power, a crowd-funding campaign that’s aiming to provide low-income households with solar panel systems.

The campaign is focused in the Bendigo area and Loddon Mallee regions and is supported by the State Government’s Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, and Bendigo Community Health Services.

Project chair at BSG, Colin Lambie, said a large number of households are struggling with the cost of living and would be eligible for the program.

“Approximately 40,000 homeowners in the Loddon Mallee region are classified as low or very low-income households,” he said. “Making up 29 per cent of all households.

“Out of these, about 4000 are currently experiencing mortgage stress, which is the equivalent of three per cent of all households.”

Bendigo Community Health Services is supporting the campaign and spokesperson Martine Street said low-income earners deserved access to solar.

“Access to clean energy should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy,” she said.

“By supporting this project we can make a significant difference to the lives of benefiting families, whilst also continuing with the transition to clean energy sources, as critical to our environment.”

Campaign organisers are calling for businesses, community organisations and individuals to donate to the campaign with hopes of raising $63,000 to install power in 30 homes.

If the initial campaign is successful, the BSG plans to approach the State Government about expanding the model into the future.

To make a donation visit bit.ly/3N34ghg or bsg.org.au.