The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Kate Thwaites MP, Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
Luke Gosling OAM MP, Member for Solomon
Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari
Batteries to store excess solar at sporting fields, more EV charging and the community pool going electric are just some of the projects the Albanese Government is backing with its $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund.
Whether it's the neighbourhood sports club, the community hall, the local pool or library, local government brings us together and keeps us thriving. The Albanese Government is working with councils, so they can save on their bills and invest more into their communities.
In the second round of the fund 66 local governments across Australia will receive $50 million in grants, empowering them to bring down their energy bills for good through energy efficiency and electrification upgrades to community facilities.
In the Northern Territory, 2 councils will share in more than $1 million to upgrade much loved community facilities with energy-efficient technology, with benefits to be enjoyed by communities in Alice Springs and Palmerston.
An $875,000 grant will help Alice Springs install high-efficiency heat pumps, a solar PV system and battery at its Aquatic & Leisure Centre. The upgrade of the council's most energy intensive site will reduce reliance on natural gas and grid electricity and improve its water heating efficiency.
The City of Palmerston near Darwin will use a $264,000 grant to install solar PV and battery storage at the Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre, a popular multipurpose site among youth, families, sporting groups and the wider public.
Almost all projects include solar panels and over half will include battery storage systems.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP:
"Generations of Australians have enjoyed and benefitted from facilities in the local community, and with this latest round of funding from the Community Energy Upgrades Fund, we are ensuring that these facilities will continue to operate for years to come.
"From the local cricket ground, story time at the library, and the local pool at the height of summer, these upgrades will deliver a cheaper, cleaner energy future for Australia as we strive for net-zero by 2050."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson MP:
"We are investing in a cheaper, cleaner energy future for every Australian.
"This program will see benefits for public facilities like local swimming pools where gas boilers will be replaced with electric alternatives to reduce energy use, cut emissions, and help local governments reduce their running costs."
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, Kate Thwaites MP:
"Local governments are on the front line of climate impacts, from floods to heatwaves. By investing in clean energy, we're helping them build resilience and keep their communities strong.
"Whether it's a pool, a library or a sports ground, these projects show how practical climate action can save money today and protect communities for the future.
"The Albanese Government is making sure every community has the tools to adapt and thrive as we transition to cleaner, cheaper energy."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM MP:
"This is what practical climate action looks like - solar panels on local roofs, batteries powering community facilities, and savings staying in the Territory to support sport, health and family activities."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
"The Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre brings the whole community together and I'm proud that the Albanese Labor Government is investing in renewable energy solutions.
"Our government is driving the transition to net zero and partnering with local councils like the one in Alice Springs ensures we reach that goal while also making infrastructure like the town pool more energy efficient to operate."
