Victorian Communities Gain From $100M Energy Upgrades

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 town halls, storing sunshine at community centres and community pools 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 Victoria, 10 councils will share in $10 million to upgrade much loved community facilities with energy-efficient technology, with benefits to be enjoyed by communities from Bendigo to Eltham

A $2.5 million grant will help Nillumbik Shire Council to transition the Eltham Leisure Centre to an all-electric facility by doubling its electricity supply and upgrading the pool heating infrastructure, cutting their bills for good.

Greater Bendigo City Council will replace gas infrastructure with electric heat pumps at the Bendigo Library with its $1.2 million grant. The project will reduce carbon emissions as part of the city's goal of reaching zero net emissions by 2030 and be the first major public building in Bendigo to transition

Wangaratta Rural City Council will receive $650,000 to upgrade pool heating and energy efficiency at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, reducing emissions and cutting bills at the same time.

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."

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."

Background - Information on Nillumbik Shire project

Nillumbik Shire Council's Eltham Leisure Centre will be transitioned to an all-electric facility by doubling its electricity supply then upgrading the pool water and pool hall heating infrastructure from natural gas boilers to an efficient electric heat pump system, reducing carbon emissions by 631 tonnes.

Works include a new acoustically treated plant yard, heat exchangers, buffer tanks, energy metering and water supply pipework.

Its heat pump design incorporates low-GWP and ODP refrigerants and simultaneous heating and cooling capabilities. This will improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort, greatly reduce energy bills and eliminate 40% of Councils emissions, crucial to reach their net zero by 2030 target.

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