The 2024-25 Budget will drive the delivery of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, and make life more affordable.
The Tasmanian Government will continue to back the small business sector as part of tomorrow's Budget with a $1.8 million investment in helping businesses become more energy efficient.
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the Government is taking action on the thing Tasmanians care about by investing in measures that put downwards pressure on costs of electricity.
We know that high inflation and interest rates continue to put significant costs on the Tasmanian community and Tasmania's small businesses which is why the budget includes a focus on assisting with energy costs.
The Budget will include a new Energy Efficiency Audit Grants Program, following our committed in the election campaign," Minister Duigan said.
"This program will provide grants of up to $1,000 for a small business towards conducting an energy efficiency audit.
"This new measure will help increase energy efficiencies in businesses, saving money in operational costs with the added benefit of helping to reduce emissions.
"The outcomes of audits will help provide recommendations to the business to then pursue, either through their retailer or making new investments through the Energy Saver Loan Scheme, which provides interest-free loans for energy efficient improvements up to $10,000.
"Small business electricity bills in Tasmania have been the lowest in the country.
The Energy Saver Loan Scheme, being administered by Brighte, has already been a hugely successful Tasmanian Government initiative.
"It has already provided over $40 million in interest free loans since it started, to both small business and households," Minister Duigan said.
"Importantly, almost 70 per cent of the service delivery has been undertaken by local Tasmanian vendors."
Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future will keep the State's economy strong, create more jobs, and makes Tasmania the best place to live, work and raise a family.
