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
Claire Clutterham MP, Member for Sturt
Switching pool heating systems from gas to electric and storing sunshine at community hubs are just two examples of the projects the Albanese Government is backing with its $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF).
Whether it's the neighbourhood sports club, the community hall, the local pool or library, local government brings us together and provides the high-quality facilities that we all share. The Albanese Government is working with councils so they can save on their bills and invest more into their communities while reducing emissions as we tackle dangerous climate change.
In the second round of the CEUF, 66 local governments across Australia will receive $50 million in grants, empowering them to dramatically reduce costs through energy efficiency and electrification upgrades to community facilities.
In South Australia, 6 councils will share in $5,470,296 to bring down energy bills for good while improving ageing facilities with energy-efficient technology.
A $2.5 million grant will help the City of Campbelltown in Adelaide upgrade the ARC Campbelltown Aquatic Centre with a high-efficiency heat pump, integrated with existing gas boilers and a solar-shaded car park. By using the pool as a thermal battery and heating it during times of peak solar generation, the project will cut emissions and reduce energy bills. It will also support council plans to fully electrify its pool heating and add battery storage.
With a $189,127 grant, the District Council of Franklin Harbour, on the Spencer Gulf's western shore, will install a solar PV system and battery at the Cowell Wastewater Treatment Plant, significantly reducing the site's electricity costs and carbon emissions.
Naracoorte Lucindale Council in SA's southeast will install rooftop solar energy systems at four key council sites. The Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange, Council Office, Library and Town Hall will all benefit from lower bills thanks to a $110,869 CEUF grant.
Under CEUF Round 2, one-off grants of $25,000 to $2.5 million have been awarded to projects on a merit basis, with local governments contributing matched funding.
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 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:
"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 Port Lincoln to the Yorke Peninsula, out to Campbelltown and down to Naracoorte, the Albanese Government is backing Councils and Shires across South Australia 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."
Quotes attributable to Member for Sturt, Claire Clutterham:
"My community of Sturt has shown real leadership on climate action, with one of the highest participation rates in the Community Batteries for Household Solar program. The Albanese Labor Government is backing that commitment with further investment in renewable energy to help the ARC Campbelltown run on the cheapest and cleanest energy.
"By backing Campbelltown's plan to electrify pool heating and add battery storage, we're building a cleaner, stronger future for families in Sturt."
| Council | Project Details | Grant amount |
| City of Port Lincoln | Port Lincoln Leisure Centre Heat Pump Electrification and Solar Project | $983,750 |
| Yorke Peninsula Council | Yorke Peninsula Council Solar Battery Initiative | $84,700 |
| City of Campbelltown | Sustainable Energy Transformation for ARC Campbelltown | $2,500,000 |
| District Council of Franklin Harbour | Cowell Wastewater Treatment Plant Green Energy Upgrade | $189,127 |
| City of Onkaparinga | Noarlunga Aquatic Recreation Centre Electrification | $1,601,850 |
| Naracoorte Lucindale Council | Naracoorte Lucindale Council's Path to Lower Energy Costs | $110,869 |
