Ten councils across Victoria will share in over $8 million in federal funding through government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund
Electrifying town halls, adding solar to community centres, and the electrification of community swimming pools are just some of the projects that have been awarded federal funding for energy upgrades.
The federal government announced the winning New South Wales recipients last week, with 23 councils sharing in $21 million to fund energy upgrades, part of a nationwide $50 million in grants being shared across 66 local governments.
This week it’s Victoria’s turn to shine, with the federal ministers for climate change announcing the 10 council projects to receive funding for energy efficient technology upgrades.
“Local governments are on the front line of climate impacts, from floods to heatwaves,” said Kate Thwaites, special envoy for climate change adaptation and resilience.
“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.”
Among the ten projects to secure funding (listed in full below) is the electrification of the Eltham Leisure Centre in the Nillumbik Shire Council in Melbourne’s north east.
The project will convert the Centre into an all-electric facility by doubling its electricity supply and upgrading the pool water and pool hall heating infrastructure from natural gas boilers to an efficient electric heat pump system.
Similarly, the Wangaratta Rural City Council will receive $650,000 to upgrade pool heating and energy efficiency at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.
The Bendigo Library in the Greater Bendigo City Council will replace its gas infrastructure with electric heat pumps, part of the city’s goal of reaching zero net emissions by 2030.
Full Victorian List
| Applicant details | Project title | Grant amount ($ GST excl) |
| Nillumbik Shire Council | Eltham Leisure Centre Electrification | 2,491,500 |
| Wangaratta Rural City Council | Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre Power Efficiency Program | 658,884 |
| Casey City Council | City of Casey’s HRV System Upgrade and VRF Optimisation Project | 48,478 |
| City of Greater Geelong | Kardinia Aquatic Centre Electrification Project | 849,000 |
| Greater Bendigo City Council | Electrification of the Bendigo Library – ‘Getting off Gas’ Project |
1,200,000 |
| Mount Alexander Shire Council | Electrification of Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Town Hall |
247,925 |
| Indigo Shire Council | Sparking community connection in Indigo Shire | 51,041 |
| Baw Baw Shire Council | Warragul Leisure Centre Energy Efficiency Upgrade Program Stage 1 | 1,148,024 |
| Frankston City Council | Powering Creativity and Wellness Electrification Project | 1,425,000 |
