Guideline changes mean dollar-for-dollar grants for manufacturers

Dollar-for-dollar grants are now accessible to manufacturers who produce between 25,000 and 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and face a direct carbon price liability under the $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Programs.

Greg Combet, Minister for Industry and Innovation, announced the update to the program guidelines yesterday. He said the new funding ration would increase support for manufacturers to invest in equipment and technology to reduce their power bills and emissions.

“The change in the Clean Technology Investment Programs’ grant ratio has been made after detailed consultations with industry. It will ensure manufacturers who are directly liable under the carbon price are able to apply for significant assistance under the Clean Technology Investment programs,” Combet said.

“Capital investment in low-emission and energy-efficient technologies throughout manufacturing facilities will help these Australian businesses to become more competitive and sustainable.”

The changes to the guidelines mean that manufacturers with a facility that emits between 25,000 and 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the full financial year prior to lodging their application now only have to match the government grants on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

For businesses that meet the criteria and have already lodged an application under the Clean Technology Investment Programs, the new funding ratio will be available retrospectively.

Existing grant funding ratios will continue to apply to businesses not liable under the carbon pricing mechanism. Manufacturers with a turnover of less than $100 million applying for grants under $500,000 will continue to receive a dollar-for-dollar grant ratio.

The Clean Technology Investment Program and the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program are open for applications. For more information, visit the AusIndustry website.