The Railway Hotel in Condobolin will receive support from the Federal Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business, employ more people and get ahead.

They will receive $24,209 to install new air conditioners and refrigerators through the $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program. Eighteen others hotels and motels in the Parkes electorate shared in more than $440,000 in funding.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the grants will help fund projects that will provide genuine and lasting energy savings and reduce operating costs for local hotels and motels.

“Energy costs are one of the biggest overheads for local hotel and motel operators, and this funding will help owners reinvest in their business during this critical time,” he explained.

“Hotels and motels in the Parkes electorate will be using their funding to upgrade to more energy efficient air-conditioning, refrigeration and lighting, which will improve the overall comfort for patrons and support local jobs.”

Mr Coulton visited one of the successful businesses, the Forest Lodge Motor Inn and Lime Thai Restaurant Dubbo, to share the news.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Australia’s hotel industry was among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and the Morrison Government is committed to helping local operators get back on their feet.

“As we secure Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, backing businesses to get ahead is a key priority of the Morrison Government,” Minister Taylor stated.

“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.”

The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms were eligible to receive grants under the Federal Government’s Hotel Energy Uplift program.