Cheaper bills and cooler homes are on the way to community housing tenants, with rebates for insulation, solar and efficient appliances.
About 4000 homes across Queensland are set to benefit from the new Queensland Community Housing Energy Upgrades (Q-CHEU) program, which is funded by the federal and state governments,
Applications are open for up to $4500 in rebates to help eligible community housing providers deliver upgrades that could include: insulation and shading for homes; installation of efficient electric appliances like hot water systems, ovens and cooktops and split-cycle air conditioners; and solar systems such as solar panels.
The Q-CHEU program is part of a $116 million investment to improve energy performance for up to 32,000 social housing properties across the state.
Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the initiative would help to reduce the cost of living for some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
“This is a practical program that will change the lives of our community housing tenants by helping to cut their power bills and making their homes more liveable,” he said.
“Our tenants in community homes are on low incomes, so reducing energy costs and improving thermal comfort will make a real difference especially during our scorching hot Queensland summers.”
Community Housing Industry Association Queensland CEO Julie Saunders said the Q-CHEU program would deliver benefits to tenants and providers.
“By backing upgrades like insulation, solar and efficient hot water systems, the Queensland Community Housing Energy Upgrades program will deliver real cost-of-living relief while improving the liveability of homes across the community housing sector,” she said.
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Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said the scheme would make a significant impact.
“No matter their circumstances, all Australians deserve to benefit from cheaper energy bills and more comfortable homes,” he said.
“Upgrades like shading (and) insulation energy efficient appliances will deliver instant and permanent hip pocket relief for Queensland’s community housing tenants.”
Applications can be submitted until October 30, with all upgrades works to be completed by June 30, 2027. For more information see the Department of Housing and Public Works website.
