Sunny news for Queensland's renters
The Queensland Conservation Council today welcomes the state Liberal National Party's announcement of a solar for renters program.
The Supercharged Solar for Renters plan will provide grants of up to $3,500 toward the installation of solar panels on rental homes.
"This is a smart policy initiative that will provide vital cost of living relief for renting Queenslanders while generating clean energy and slashing emissions," said Stephanie Gray, campaigner at Queensland Conservation Council.
"This program will build on the successful but small Solar for Renters trial that the Queensland Government ran in 2019. We’ve been calling for some time for the program to be expanded to cover the whole state because tenants saved an average of $600 per year.
"Queenslanders are world leaders in the uptake of solar but the third of Queenslanders who rent or live in social housing too often miss out on the benefits of cheap and clean energy."
This announcement follows campaigning by the Power Together coalition, which includes the Queensland Council of Social Service, Queensland Community Alliance and Queensland Conservation Council, for bi-partisan support for solar and energy efficiency upgrades for renters.
"We're calling on the Queensland Government to now match this scheme so no matter who wins the October state election, tenants have an avenue for cashing in on solar savings," said Ms Gray.
"This is a very welcome step from the Queensland LNP to recognise the benefits of renewable energy to save money and reduce emissions. We hope that they follow up this announcement with support for Queensland’s clean energy and climate targets."