Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) was pleased to see the new solar system being installed at Camp Cypress when he met with treasurer/secretary Janet Fitzgerald recently.
Camp Cypress will be able to save on its power bills after installing a new solar system thanks to a $10,314 grant provided through the Federal Government’s Powering Communities Program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton recently visited Camp Cypress in Baradine to see the new 12.5KW grid connect solar system being installed on the roof of the dining room.
“Energy bills are often one of the biggest overheads for not-for-profit organisations,” Mr Coulton said.
“I’m thrilled to be able to support Camp Cypress to help reduce its power bills and ease the financial pressure they face, following on from two years of cancelled bookings due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“With a commercial kitchen and bunk-style cabin accommodation, Camp Cypress is an ideal facility for school excursions or training, as well as for special occasions and big family get-togethers.
“Run by local volunteers, it’s groups like these that are the heart of communities around my electorate, and this assistance will allow them to continue to grow, invest and support local jobs.”
Camp Cypress treasurer/secretary Janet Fitzgerald said the new solar system will replace the old solar panels which were no longer effective.
“These new solar panels will greatly reduce our electricity accounts which are very high,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“This will be very beneficial to the overall running of Camp Cypress, which in turn means less of a financial burden on the many volunteer groups who use the complex.”
Camp Cypress was one of 10 community groups in the Parkes electorate to receive funding under the $10.2 million Powering Communities Program, which provided each electorate with a total of $67,700 to fund up to 12 small projects.
