AMPC Helpline, phase 2

The AMPC Helpline's core focus is to rectify key energy & environment failures for small to medium red meat processors; 1. small to medium processors fail to be aware of, and apply for, energy and environment grants. 2. small to medium processors lack agility and capability in completing quick energy audits for immediate actions, and continuous improvement. This project will advance small to medium processor capabilities, and continuous improvement, in energy & environment. The first iteration of the AMPC Helpline took 12 months to “get right”, and in its second year helped approve $1.3m in grant applications. The Helpline did not operate during 2024 FY due to other core funding pre-commitments, however the 2023 AMPC member survey received multiple requests from members to re-continue the AMPC Helpline. In the first few months’ of 2024 calendar year, there has been >$750m in national and state energy & environment grants announced (i.e. $275m in NSW alone) that will close in a few weeks. AMPC has not had the resources to assist members to apply for any of these latest grants, which represents potential co-funded carbon abatement and energy efficiency projects for members of all sized not proceeding. The aim of this project is to significantly “step up” the potential for AMPC members to obtain energy & environment grants by providing AMPC members with grants alerts and helpline service for an improved grant assistance and broad advice service on energy & environment issues from a new provider that is currently expanding their inter-action with red meat processors. Additional provider resources will be included in this phase 2 of the AMPC Helpline and advice will include; grant reminders / updates & , alerts, broad energy & environmental guidance, grant application assistance, and general decarbonization strategies, case studies, and tools.