Bligh rubbishes claims of charity fund dip-in

BrisbaneTimes.com.au


Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has hit back at claims she ordered that $10 million in charity funding be used to meet the state government's solar energy targets.

Newspaper reports today suggested Ms Bligh had "raided" a portion of the state's charity fund, managed by the Gambling Community Benefit Committee, so cash could be set aside solely for applications for solar panneling by Queensland community and non-for-profit organisations.

This, it was claimed, would rob charities of the available funding, raised by gambling taxes, for vital services.

"Any suggestions that the government is raiding this fund for environmental purposes are absolute rubbish," Ms Bligh told reporters today.

Unlike previous years, community organisations can apply for funding to switch to solar power from June, up to $10 million, Ms Bligh said.

"In addition to being able to apply to the community gambling fund for other material like vehicles, or photocopiers...they can now apply for solar pannels and solar hot water systems to help them be part of the solar program and save money that they can then put back into their charity," Ms Bligh said.

"There is very little impact on any of the community groups across Queensland other than to give them the chance to get solar.

"This $10 million will not be spent on solar unless community organisations and sporting groups apply for [it]. It's optional."

The government has anticipated that up to $3.3 million a year will be directed to these community solar projects from the fund over the next three years.

The switch would save Queensland charities up to $245,000 collectively in electricity costs.

The state government has aimed to double the number of solar hot water system in use across the state within five years.

Ms Bligh said the push for charity organisations to make the switch was "part of our new, reinvigorated solar energy push and you're going to see a lot more of it".