Joint media release: Solar pools and battery storage across NSW with $21 million for bill busting 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

Batteries to store excess solar at sporting fields, more EV charging and the community pool 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. This builds on the success of the first round of grants which saw 17 councils in NSW receive grants. An additional 23 NSW councils will receive support through round two.

In NSW, 23 councils will share in $21 million to upgrade much loved community facilities with energy-efficient technology, with benefits to be enjoyed by communities from Blacktown to Byron.

In Western Sydney, the Blacktown International Sports Park and Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre will install solar, battery storage, and LED lighting which will have shared benefits for sporting clubs and the wider community through reduced energy costs.

In the Hunter, the Charlestown Swim Centre will go electric, with its pool and hot water system to benefit from solar panels to cut their energy bills by an expected $128,000 annually for Lake Macquarie City Council.

In South Western Sydney, council-owned Mount Annan Leisure Centre will transition from gas to 100% renewable energy including electrifying the spa boiler and café appliances, as well as expanding rooftop solar on the centre. These upgrades are expected to cut energy use by 53%, saving the Council of Camden $185,000 in operational costs.

Griffith City Council in the state’s southwest will receive $2.5 million, for upgrades to reduce reliance on energy-intensive gas facilities by electrifying an indoor pool complex, installing solar and battery storage across water and wastewater sites.

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 - List of NSW projects