Electrifying local pools and capturing sunshine at community hubs are key projects receiving a boost from the Australian government’s $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund.
This fund supports local governments across Australia to reduce energy costs and cut emissions by enhancing energy efficiency and electrification in community facilities.
The latest round, with $50 million in grants, benefits 66 local governments, including eight in Western Australia, sharing over $5 million for vital upgrades.
In Western Australia, the fund targets energy bills and facility improvements with innovative technologies.
The Shire of Esperance is using a $946,938 grant to install solar panels and batteries on 16 buildings, apply window tinting on five structures, improve two community evacuation centres, develop a local clean energy workforce, and educate ratepayers on energy efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Shire of Narrogin will upgrade the gas boiler at its Regional Leisure Centre to an energy-efficient heat pump powered by solar, saving over $379,000 annually and cutting 523 tonnes of emissions, exemplary for Wheatbelt councils.
The City of Bunbury is set to receive $1.2 million to transform the South West Sports Centre’s energy systems, replacing gas boilers with electric heat pumps, installing a 266kW solar system, upgrading the switchboard, refurbishing the solar thermal system, and implementing a sophisticated building management system.
Additionally, the Shire of Mundaring is applying $158,542 to urgently upgrade the pool heating system at Darlington’s iconic Bilgoman Aquatic Centre, prioritising solar energy and reducing gas dependence.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasised the community benefits: “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 noted: “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.”
He added the support spans from the Great Southern to the South West coast and metropolitan Perth, backing municipalities committed to clean energy transitions.
Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Kate Thwaites highlighted the resilience benefits: “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.”
Numerous awarded grants also include smart electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar panels on nearly all projects, and over half including battery storage, further solidifying the shift to sustainable community energy solutions.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment by the Australian government to reduce emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050 while supporting renewable electricity generation targets.
