Encouraging businesses to make buildings more energy efficient is a step in the right direction to tackle climate change, Bendigo Sustainability Group president Karen Corr says.
She was speaking after Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that companies that invested in measures to cut energy use would get a one-off tax break equivalent to half of what they spent.
Federal Labor MP for Bendigo Steve Gibbons wel-
comed the scheme, which will come into effect from July 1 if Labor is re-elected.
It would run until June 30, 2015, and would cost $180 million.
Businesses that improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings from two stars or lower to four stars or higher will be able to apply for the one-off tax deduction.
Mr Gibbons said it would be available for retrofits of existing commercial buildings, including offices, hotels and shopping centres.
“Many central Victorian commercial buildings will be able to participate in the program, providing they meet the requirements covered by the national Australian-built environment rating system scheme.
“It will encourage the creation of thousands of new green jobs across Australia and the development of green building products.’’
Federal Greens candidate for Bendigo Kymberlie Dimozantos backed the plan.
‘’The Greens are supportive of any initiative that will help green businesses, but if funding is coming out of the pool of money that is already allocated for green projects, such as the recently announced $2000 car rebate, then we don’t.’’
Mrs Corr said she was still very disappointed by the federal government’s decision to delay a commitment to a carbon tax.
Liberal candidate for Bendigo Craig Hunter said local property owners would be disappointed that the government had announced yet another scheme before finalising any details.
“Local business property owners have been left waiting for any details on a scheme that will provide no return on investment for two years.
“Central Victorians have already seen the debacle of poorly planned and bungled schemes like pink batts and the mining tax and now business would be right to be suspicious of another scheme announced by the current government that lacks planning and detail.”
Opinions – Page 10
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