$100M Energy Upgrades Boost More WA Communities

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

Electrifying local pools and storing sunshine at community hubs 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 Western Australia, 8 local governments will share in more than $5 million to bring down energy bills for good while improving ageing facilities with energy-efficient technology.

The Shire of Esperance on the state's south coast will install solar panels and batteries on 16 Shire buildings, tinting the windows of five others, with a grant of $946,938. Esperance will also improve two community evacuation centres, develop the local workforce, and better educate rate payers on energy efficiency with this funding.

The Shire of Narrogin will receive $535,358 to replace a gas boiler at the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre with an energy-efficient heat pump and solar power. The aquatic centre electrification will reduce their costs by more than $379,000 per annum and cut 523 tonnes of emissions annually, supporting Narrogin's clean energy ambitions and serving as a model for other WA Wheatbelt councils.

The City of Bunbury will receive $1,201,814 to upgrade the South West Sports Centre's (SWSC) energy systems. The project will replace gas hot water boilers with electric heat pumps, install a 266kW solar system, upgrade the main switchboard, refurbish the existing solar thermal system, and implement an advanced Building Management System with load management at the south west's largest indoor leisure facility.

Prioritising solar energy and reducing its reliance on gas, the Shire of Mundaring will apply it's $158,542 to the urgently needed upgrades of the pool heating system at the iconic Bilgoman Aquatic Centre in Darlington.

Successful applications include 33 upgrades to local aquatic centres and 10 grants for smart electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

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:

"Generations of Australians have enjoyed and benefitted from facilities in the local community, and with this latest round of funding from the Albanese Government, we are ensuring that these facilities can invest more into their work for their local communities.

"From the local cricket ground, story time at the library, and diving into the local pool at the height of summer, these upgrades will deliver a cheaper, cleaner energy future for Australia - it's further proof that what's good for the planet is good for the pocket."

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson:

"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."

"From the Great Southern to our South West coast, and across the Wheatbelt and metropolitan Perth, the Albanese Government is backing Councils and Shires that are getting on with the job of reducing emissions by upgrading public facilities to run on the cleanest and cheapest energy."

Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, Kate Thwaites:

"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."