The Australian Government has unveiled the new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund to deliver energy upgrades and bill savings for community facilities.
According to the Federal Government, the Community Energy Upgrades Fund will co-finance upgrades with local councils and has the potential to unlock more than $20 million in high-impact energy upgrades that will save community facilities on bills in the medium and long run.
“This investment will help local councils save on their power bills while upgrading facilities that serve their communities,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen noted, “The Albanese Government is not just providing short term relief on power bills, with our Community Energy Upgrades Fund and Energy Savings Package, it is also making the investments needed to deliver cleaner, cheaper power for the long-term.”
The new funding will enable community facilities across Australia to make energy-saving modifications, such as replacing energy-intensive heating in council pools with heat pumps and installing energy-efficient lighting and battery storage at sporting fields, libraries, and community centres.
“We know that every dollar local governments save goes back into their community, which is why the Community Energy Upgrades Fund is great news – it will mean more energy efficient operations and better experiences for communities to enjoy,” Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said.
“Local governments are on the front line of combating climate change, which is why we’re partnering on major projects to save energy and decarbonise public facilities,” Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister stated.
The Federal Government said it is dedicated to providing more Australians with cheaper, cleaner energy, and this $100 million funding boost complements the $1.6 billion Energy Savings Package delivered in the 2023-24 Budget.
The Fund’s criteria will be developed in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Australian Local Government Association.
