Green Start Program To Help Vulnerable Australians

Submitted by Adam on Fri, 27/11/2009 - 11:55am

Federal Envioronment Minister Peter Garrett yesterday announced a Federal Government initiative called Green Start. The main purpose behind this new program is to help low income and disadvantaged Australian Households overcome any any additional burden arising as a consequence of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).

Key Points:

Stated Value	$130M
Target Audience	Low-income and disadvantaged households
Assistance provided	Free Energy/Water assessments, Free supply and installation of energy and water efficiency products Personalised help to access programs from all government levels. (Local, State, Federal) Advocacy and support to help householders deal with landlords, real estate agencies and tradespeople to implement energy and water efficiency measures
Start Date	Green Start is expected to roll out across Australia in 2010.
Eligible households	Apparently still being finalised, eligible households may include: people who currently receive a payment that entitles them to a Pension Concession Card, and that payment is paid at the maximum rate people who currently receive, and have done so for the last 12 months, a payment that entitles them to a Health Care Card, and that payment is paid at the maximum rate low income and disadvantaged households that meet other eligibility criteria determined by the Department after consultation with the program brokers.
Program delivery	Local brokers will ensure the program is delivered to the areas and households most in need. The Australian Government is now calling for bids to deliver the program. The details are on AusTender. The tender period will close on 14 January 2010.

Below is the content of a media release from the office of The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP

A ‘GREEN START’ FOR VULNERABLE AUSTRALIANS

Environment Minister Peter Garrett today announced a new $130 million program to help improve the energy and water efficiency of low-income and disadvantaged Australian households.

Visiting the YWCA in Canberra, Mr Garrett said the Rudd Government’s Green Start program will connect Australia’s most vulnerable households with practical and personal advice and support.

“On average, low-income earners spend a higher proportion of their weekly household budget on energy and water, making these Australians particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change” Mr Garrett said.

“This program will arm people and households with greater knowledge and a range of resources to help them reduce energy and water costs and help take the pressure off their power bills.”

Minister Garrett said that under Green Start, eligible householders would receive:
A free home energy and water assessment, which will pin-point new and extra opportunities to save energy and water.
Free supply and installation of energy and water efficiency products such as pipe insulation, efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, draught proofing, seals for fridges, doors and windows, grey water hoses and compost bins.
Personalised help to access local, state, territory and Australian Government energy and water efficiency rebates and programs, such as the Home Insulation Program.
Advocacy and support to help householders deal with landlords, real estate agencies and tradespeople to implement energy and water efficiency measures.

“We’ll be working closely with the social welfare sector, Centrelink and FAHCSIA and state and territory governments to ensure Green Start connects with and complements programs and activities already in place in various jurisdictions,” Minister Garrett said.

“Local brokers will ensure the program is delivered to the areas and households most in need.

The Australian Government is now calling for bids to deliver the program. The details are on AusTender. The tender period will close on 14 January 2010.

Green Start is expected to roll out across Australia in 2010

Comments

Submitted by Brendan Ashe on Sun, 09/05/2010 - 7:50pm.

Would love to hear any developments on the Green Start Program as it gets closer to the date. Especially from any organisations that are participating in the assessment and implementation phase.

Regards Brendan Ashe - urban_synergy_constructions@bigpond.com

Saving the World - One Home at Time

Consult Design Impliment

Sustainable Solutions for any Dwelling

Submitted by Brendan Ashe on Sun, 09/05/2010 - 7:52pm.

Would love to hear any developments on the Green Start Program as it gets closer to the date. Especially from any organisations that are participating in the assessment and implementation phase.Regards Brendan Ashe - urban_synergy_constructions@bigpond.com