Green Start to Replace Green Loans

Following the abolition of the Australian Government’s ‘Green Loans’ program, many Australian householders have been eagerly awaiting new assistance packages to help them improve their homes energy efficiency.

Yesterday, the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong, finally announced the government’s intentions; a ‘Green Start’ program designed to specifically assist low-income householders cope with the rising cost of energy.

The new ‘Green Start’ program will be delivered through Commonwealth grants in two rounds:

1. In the first round, the Commonwealth will continue to fund the delivery of energy assessments for households. Grants will be awarded to accredited assessors and organisations who can deliver high quality assessments through a competitive process.

2. In the second round, the Government will seek proposals from community and welfare sector NGOs - and other organisations - to provide practical help to low-income and disadvantaged Australians to improve their households energy efficiency. 

The ‘Green Start’ program is due to be implemented later this year, but in the meantime, sustainability assessments will continue to be delivered under the old ‘Green Loan’ arrangements.

Senator Penny Wong said demand for home sustainability assessments was still strong, as they provided practical advice on how households could reduce their homes impact on the environment.

 “Green Start will assist Australians who want to save energy and use energy more efficiently,’’ Senator Wong said.

 “This scheme will be of particular benefit to low-income households, who spend a greater proportion of their incomes on energy consumption.’’