A record $150,000 on offer to help tackle environmental challenges after natural disasters.

Minister for Energy Stephen Robertson has announced a record $150,000 in grants to community groups to help support energy conservation and environmental initiatives.

Mr Robertson said an additional $50,000 in funding is on offer this year for Ergon Energy's 2011 Envirofund program as a small gesture to help struggling communities get back on their feet after a devastating summer of natural disasters.

"Ergon Energy's Envirofund program demonstrates Ergon Energy's commitment to helping foster a more sustainable future for regional Queensland," he said.

"The Envirofund program has been enormously successful in recent years garnering interest from community groups all across regional Queensland.

"The Bligh Government is committed to supporting sustainable initiatives and I hope the extra $50,000 on offer this year may assist struggling communities to support energy efficiency and environmental initiatives."

Mr Robertson said Ergon Energy's research suggests that close to 80 per cent of our customers see climate change as a threat and 73 per cent think their actions have an impact on it and are willing to change.

"The Envirofund can help that by giving a kick start to innovative projects that benefit the environment through either direct action or education," he said.

"Now in its third year, the Envirofund program is open to not-for-profit community groups and organisations to undertake environmental initiatives in their local communities

"Grants range from $200 up to $10,000 and will be made available to organisations in regional Queensland, depending on the size and merit of individual projects.

"Last year 15 organisations from all across regional Queensland were successful in obtaining grants and I hope that more local groups would be successful this year.

Ergon Energy Chief Executive Ian McLeod said Ergon Energy are committed to reducing the environmental impact of o ur operations and to working with the community to create a sustainable future for us all.

"Helping regional Queensland communities with their environmental initiatives is a great way to do that," he said.

"And that's exactly what the Ergon Energy Envirofund is all about.

"Preference would be given to projects with an energy conservation focus, however other environmental benefits will also be considered, Mr McLeod said.

Examples of the sort of projects that could attract funding may include those that:

• reduce energy consumption

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• educate and encourage behavioural change around wise energy use

• use or promote renewable energy alternatives (solar, wind, hydro and biomass)

• protect, maintain or re-establish natural environments in community spaces or

• protect wildlife.

"The type of projects that come to mind could involve installing ene rgy saving devices, such as solar panels or insulation in community buildings, community home energy audits or the establishment of a community plant nursery.

"The possibilities are endless and we are really looking forward to hearing from groups right across regional Queensland with great ideas on how we can help shape a sustainable future for the planet," Mr McLeod said.

Applications close 20 July 2011. More details and an application form are available at the Ergon Energy website: www.ergon.com.au

Media contact:

Minister's office - Zoe Russell 0437 436 914

Ergon Energy - John Fowler Corporate Communications Manager (07) 47276271

2 June 2011

ENDS