A Milton brewery is one of 15 businesses in the Gilmore electorate set to share in more than $325,000 to power a range of energy efficiency projects.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Commonwealth Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises program supported businesses to upgrade or replace inefficient equipment and implement other energy efficiency activities.
“These grants deliver on our election commitment to support Australian businesses to increase the uptake of energy efficient technologies, which will also help Australia reach net zero emissions by 2050,” Mrs Phillips said.
“Our government is committed to helping small and medium businesses reduce their running costs, through lowering energy costs, and investing in new technology.
“I’m so pleased that we are helping 15 local businesses use less energy and improve their competitiveness, while reducing their carbon footprint.”
Among the small to medium sized businesses set to receive a grant, is Milton boutique brewery Dangerous Ales.
The award-winning brewery has been operating for five years at the Milton Hotel and Mrs Phillips said the $25,000 grant would help owners Damien and Alice Martin set up new digital tank monitoring technology.
“It was amazing to see what they’re doing at Dangerous Ales, and how this new technology will help reduce their energy costs by monitoring their glycol brewing system remotely using an app,” Mr Phillips said.
The brewery produces around 200,000 litres of beer per year and supplies artisan beers to local restaurants as well some major liquor chains and boutique eateries as far away as Tasmania and Western Australia.
They produce four or five core beers, including their most popular Cristy Boi Lager, and release new brews every second or third week.
“It’s so great to see small businesses continuing to produce unique goods in our region,” Mrs Phillips said.
“The Dangerous Ales Brewery and the iconic Milton Hotel have become a really great attraction for visitors and, with live music and a hatted restaurant, it’s also a popular venue for locals.”
Other recipients in the southern part of the electorate included Durras Lake North Holiday Park ($24,537), East’s Riverside Holiday Park ($23,191), East’s Dolphin Beach Holiday Park ($25,000), Seaperfect NSW – Oysters Australia Moruya Shellfish Hatchery ($25,000) and Tuross Head Country Club ($19,500).
Up to $56.7 million was available over two grant rounds to help businesses fund a range of energy efficiency activities, such as upgrading or replacing inefficient technologies, improving space and water heating systems, conducting energy audits and installing energy monitoring systems.
“These grants are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to ease cost of living pressures for Australian businesses by putting downward pressure on energy bills without adding to inflation,” Mrs Phillips said.
Photo: Owner Damien Martin gave Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips a tour of Milton’s Dangerous Ales brewery which has received a $25,000 Federal Energy Efficiency Grant.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katrina Condie: 0437 662 967
