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CUTTING COSTS AND EMISSIONS AT THE BALLARAT AQUATIC CENTRE
The Albanese Government is supporting 58 local governments across Australia to bring down their energy bills through the Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF).
Batteries at childcare centres, solar panels at local libraries and EV charging infrastructure for council vehicles are all examples of projects sharing in the $50 million of funding.
Locally, Member for Ballarat Catherine King today announced $2.5 million for City of Ballarat to install a 2-stage heat pump system at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre. Council will also contribute $5.2 million to the project which will provide the heating for all water and airspace across 3 pool halls and the 5 indoor pools.
The heat pump system will significantly reduce the gas the Centre uses and importantly will save ratepayers $480,000 per year.
Whether it’s the neighbourhood sports club, the community hall, the local pool or library, local government brings communities together and keeps them thriving.
Each year 8 million people use community sporting infrastructure. The Albanese Government is working with councils, so they can save on their bills and invest more into their communities.
One-off grants of between $25,000 to $2.5 million were awarded through the merit-based program, with local government providing at least 50 per cent of project costs.
The highly popular Albanese Labor Government initiative saw Round 1 oversubscribed, with 165 applications overall for the first $50 million package of funding.
Round 2 is expected to open shortly.
Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:
“From swimming lessons and swim squad, to water aerobics and rehab, or even a play on the iconic frog slide, our Aquatic Centre caters for a really diverse group of people.
“This funding for a new heat pump system means that running the Centre will now be $480,000 cheaper every year which is great news for Council, and great news for ratepayers.
“This project will cut emissions, cut running costs and allow those savings to be used for other services that benefit our community.”
Qoutes attributable to Ballarat Mayor Councillor Tracey Hargraves:
“This investment will deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits for our community.
“The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre is one of the largest users of energy in our region, and this upgrade will not only future-proof the facility, but also contribute to Ballarat’s target of reaching zero emissions in the coming years.
“I want to thank the Australian Government for the financial support of this important project.”
21 February 2025
