The Queensland Government will provide more than $6 million for the second round of the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant (MEEG) to support manufacturers to install energy efficient equipment and systems and reduce input costs.
Eligible manufacturers can apply for funding through round two of MEEG to implement measures that will reduce energy consumption and drive down energy costs. Grants of up to $50,000 will be available through the second round of the program, doubling the amount available under round one.
The Queensland Government said that this support will provide a boost to manufacturers, helping them to lower emissions and the cost of doing business, and to create more local manufacturing jobs.
Round two of the program will fund 100 per cent of eligible lighting projects and 75 per cent of all other eligible projects, up to a maximum of $50,000.
Businesses like AZTEC Security Screens in Cairns have seen benefits from a grant in round one of MEEG. AZTEC received more than $14,000 to replace its aging petrol-gas forklift with a new and more efficient electric one, which has drastically reduced overall energy consumption, costs and carbon emissions of forklift operations at its Manunda facility.
AZTEC expects to save an estimated 7.3GJ of energy, reduce emissions by about 1t of carbon and cut costs by approximately $354 on a yearly basis.
Bradco, a joinery manufacturer completed a lighting project under round one, replacing more than 300 lights with new LED lights at its facility in Clontarf. This change alone is expected to save the business more than $19,000 annually off its electricity bills.
The MEEG program is part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and supports the state’s emissions targets.
Applications for MEEG round two are now open until 30 June 2025 or until funding is fully allocated.
Queensland Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher, said that the State Government is committed to future-proofing Queensland’s manufacturing industry and supporting them to be more competitive in a low-carbon future.
“We know these measures are not only reducing costs for manufacturers but are also reducing emissions, which is why we have expanded round two. Manufacturers provided us with feedback during round one that support for lighting projects was a priority because these projects deliver real change to business emissions and energy bills almost immediately. So we have listened and thanks to round two, will deliver more of this important support for our Queensland manufacturers.
“I encourage manufacturers to take advantage of this funding to increase their uptake of energy efficiency measures and opportunities that will boost the sustainability of their business.”
Member for Cairns, Michael Heal, said it’s fantastic to AZTEC Security Screens able to save an estimated 7.3GJ of energy and cut costs annually thanks to the round one funding.
AZTEC Security Screens Director, Cliff Bailey, said, “Queensland Government funding has been vital in helping our family-run business to leverage the opportunities presented by modern, more energy efficient equipment and grow the sustainability of our operations.
“Upgrading our forklift is a simple change that is already delivering significant benefits for our energy consumption and our bottom line.
“This next round of the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant program means more local manufacturers, just like us, can do the same.”
Featured image: Queensland Government.
