Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton recently met with the Tourist Hotel Narrabri General Manager Geoff Artis and Tourist Hotel consultant Jon Welsh to hear about plans to make the hotel more energy efficient thanks to funding provided through the Federal Government’s Hotel Energy Uplift Program.

The Tourist Hotel Narrabri will be able to save on its energy bills thanks to a $24,000 grant through the Federal Government’s Hotel Energy Uplift Program.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton recently visited the Tourist Hotel to hear about how the local pub will use its grant to fund projects that will provide genuine and lasting energy savings and reduce operating costs.

“Energy costs are one of the biggest overheads for local hotel operators, and this funding will help the Tourist Hotel reinvest in the business during this critical time,” Mr Coulton said.

“Since it has been reopened after undergoing extensive renovations, the Tourist has become a popular place for locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy a meal and a drink with friends and family.

“This funding will be used for energy-efficient upgrades which will improve the overall comfort for patrons and support local jobs.”

Tourist Hotel Narrabri General Manager Geoff Artis said the grant would be used to undertake an energy audit and install roof insulation, modern halogen lighting and heat pumps to parts of the hotel.

“The audit will give us a plan to make changes over a number of years and implement best-practice energy consumption,” Mr Artis said.

“All of these measures will reduce our hotel overheads and make our business more resilient.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Australia’s hotel industry was among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and the Morrison Government is committed to helping local operators get back on their feet.

“As we secure Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, backing businesses to get ahead is a key priority of the Morrison Government,” Minister Taylor said.

“Over 85 per cent of the grants awarded will go to hotels in regional or remote Australia, providing a significant boost to our regions. This is good news for tourist destinations welcoming back visitors after COVID-19-related restrictions.”

The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms were eligible to receive grants under the program.