The Australian government is investing $100 million through its Community Energy Upgrades Fund to support local councils across Australia in reducing energy costs and increasing sustainability in community facilities.
In the second round of funding, $50 million in grants will assist 66 local governments in upgrading energy efficiency and electrifying public amenities such as sporting fields, community pools, libraries, and halls.
These projects aim to lower energy bills long-term while cutting emissions, with a strong focus on renewable technologies, including solar panels and battery storage systems.
In Queensland, 12 councils will share $4.3 million to implement upgrades from Toowoomba to Pormpuraaw.
Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith, announced a $256,735 grant for Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council to install solar panels on council residential properties, which will reduce costs for staff, feed excess energy back to the grid, and minimise impacts on Traditional land.
Toowoomba’s Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre will replace gas heating systems with electric heat pumps and add rooftop solar, advancing the centre toward full decarbonisation.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council will replace outdated solar PV systems on council buildings, supporting the Yarrabah Microgrid project aimed at improving energy resilience and creating clean energy jobs in this remote community.
Almost all funded initiatives include solar installations, with more than half incorporating battery storage to maximise energy use and savings.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said: “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 added: “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 highlighted the climate resilience aspect: “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.”
Matt Smith MP emphasised regional benefits, stating: “This investment in renewable energy will reduce reliance on diesel generators, lower costs for rate payers and provide power for both houses and major community infrastructure in communities on the cape and the Torres Strait.
“The future of energy is renewable no matter where you are in Australia and I am so proud that our region will be able to benefit.”
The Community Energy Upgrades Fund reflects Australia’s broader commitment to clean energy transitions, aligning with growing national rooftop solar adoption and state government energy roadmaps.
Queensland, for instance, leads with 7.25 GW of rooftop solar currently installed, complemented by mandates for solar and EV readiness in new buildings.
These community upgrades complement efforts to expand EV charging infrastructure and strengthen energy resilience in vulnerable regions.
