Local pools, sports grounds, and community centres across Australia are set to benefit from clean energy upgrades, with the federal government rolling out $50 million in grants under Round 2 of its Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF).
The $100 million national program supports councils to slash energy costs and emissions by installing solar power, electric heating systems, efficient lighting, and battery storage technologies at public facilities.
In this round, 66 local governments will share $50 million in federal funding to implement energy efficiency and electrification upgrades across Australia.
In Tasmania, five councils — including Burnie, George Town, Meander Valley, Sorell, and another unnamed participant — will share $2.2 million to future-proof essential community infrastructure.
Burnie City Council plans to electrify the Burnie Aquatic Centre’s heating systems, replacing gas boilers with electric heat pumps.
The upgrades are expected to cut energy bills and deliver long-term savings to ratepayers while supporting Australia’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
On Tasmania’s north coast, George Town Council will install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on several council buildings, including the Council Offices, Works Depot and Graham Fairless Centre.
Meander Valley Council will similarly add solar panels to its administrative buildings to reduce reliance on grid energy.
Across the national program, all projects will include solar generation, and more than half will also incorporate battery energy storage systems — key assets in managing local electricity demand and supporting grid reliability.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the upgrades will make lasting differences for communities nationwide.
“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.”
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said the program reflected the government’s focus on practical decarbonisation.
“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.”
Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Kate Thwaites said local governments were critical in building community resilience.
“Local governments are on the front line of climate impacts, from floods to heatwaves.
Thwaites said the government’s investment in clean energy is helping communities strengthen their resilience and remain robust for the future.
She noted that projects such as pools, libraries, and sports facilities demonstrate how practical climate action not only delivers immediate cost savings but also safeguards communities in the long term.
The CEUF complements other national initiatives such as the Community Batteries for Household Solar program and Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Enterprises, helping Australia transition toward a low-emission, electrified energy system.
