Regional hotels get federal boost

FIVE Surf Coast hotels have been awarded federal funding in order cut energy costs and allow greater investments back into their businesses.

The Morrison Government has invested $10.2 million into the Hotel Energy Uplift Program to upgrade air conditioning, refrigeration and equipment as well as double glaze windows and provide energy monitoring equipment.

Grants of up to $25,000 were awarded to eleven regional hotels across the Ballarat, Bendigo and Corangamite electorates.
Lightkeepers Inn Motel at Aireys Inlet received $20,800 to upgrade guest room air conditioners and controllers, while the Great Ocean Road Resort at Anglesea and Anglesea Riverside Motel both received $25,000 for an energy uplift program.

Best Western Apollo Bay Motel and Apartments received $25,000 for an ongoing energy reduction project while Winchelsea Tavern is set to spend the maximum grant on air conditioning and refrigeration upgrades.

Senator Sarah Henderson said the $120,800 investment will provide a long-term reduction in operational costs for the Surf Coast hotels.

“In this extraordinarily difficult time for regional tourism we want to support local businesses to cut costs where they can to recover as quickly as possible from the pandemic,” she said.

“The Morrison Government is providing targeted support to reduce operating costs to ensure money stays within the business while supporting the creation of new jobs, including for local electricians, carpenters, engineers, and plumbers.”

The Hotel Energy Uplift program forms part of the federal governments $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies that will create jobs, reduce emissions and ensure access to reliable and affordable energy.

Minister for energy and emissions reduction Angus Taylor said the grants will provide much-needed aid to regional hotels devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we secure Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, backing businesses to get ahead is a key priority,” he said.

“Over 85 per cent of the grants awarded will go to hotels in regional or remote Australia, providing a significant boost to our regions.

“This is good news for tourist destinations welcoming back visitors after COVID-19-related restrictions.”