BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DELIVERS SUBSTANTIAL EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS IN BALONNE

Balonne Shire Council has delivered a reduction of over 76 tonnes of energy emissions in the past three months alone thanks to a Business Improvement Program for local businesses that has installed over 167kW of solar panels and delivered a range of other energy efficiency measures. 

The Program included 22 energy efficiency projects including 11 solar installation projects, which generated 62.05mWh of energy in the past three months alone, with 17.36mWh being self-consumed by the businesses and 32.84mWh being exported to the grid, which has saved local businesses around $4,687 in energy costs. 

The above statistics are on top of the energy efficiency measures that were delivered through the previous Dirranbandi Business Improvement Program, which had a further six businesses install 10-20kw solar systems.

Balonne Shire Council Mayor Samantha O’Toole said this Program has been a win-win for both businesses and the environment. 

"We're excited to be undertaking this Program because it ultimately helps businesses save money on energy costs, while also promoting sustainability and reducing our environmental impacts as a community," Mayor O’Toole said.

"By supporting local businesses, we're also helping to create jobs and boost economic growth in our community.”

Balonne Shire Council will continue to monitor and track these energy emissions reductions and cost savings over the year. 

The Program started in February 2022 with all projects slated for completion by late 2023, thanks to an application from Council for funding from the Australian Government under the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.