Camden Council has received $2,351,068 from the Albanese Government to upgrade the much-loved Mount Annan Leisure Centre with energy-efficient technology, with benefits to be enjoyed by our community.  

Batteries to store excess solar at sporting fields and more EV charging are just some of the other 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. Each year 8 million people use community sporting infrastructure, including local councils. By cutting their energy bills, the Albanese Government is working with councils, to invest more in local services instead of power bills. 

The electrification of Mount Annan Leisure Centre is an integrated project transitioning the facility from emissions intensive gas to a 100% renewable electric future.

Upgrades include electrification of spa boiler, air-handling units, domestic hot water, cafe appliances and expanding rooftop solar.

Activities are expected to cut energy use by 53%, save $185,000 in operational costs, and lower emissions by 432 t-CO2e annually. That is money the council can put into more swimming lessons, longer opening hours and better facilities instead of energy bills.

The project will advance progress to Council’s adopted targets, reducing Council's gas use by 84% and energy emissions by 20%. This climate-resilient project secures the financial sustainability of this key facility while upskilling and empowering community and local governments.

Minister Bowen joined Dr Freelander and Deputy Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, at the Mount Annan Leisure Centre where they met with staff to discuss the benefits that the grant project will have for the community.

In the second-round one-off grants of between $25,000 to $2.5 million have been awarded to projects on a merit basis, with local governments matching funding. 

Successful applications include 33 upgrades to local aquatic centres and 10 grants for smart electric vehicle charging infrastructure.  

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 Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP:

“Thanks to the Albanese Labor government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund, this local pool is going fully electric with solar and heat pumps – keeping the water cool for summer by harnessing our iconic Australian sun.

“With nearly 2000 cheaper home batteries installed across the Hume & Macarthur electorates since 1 July, locals are getting on with the job of bringing down their bills both at home and in their community spaces.

Quotes attributable to Senator Deborah O’Neill, Duty Senator for Hume:

“The Albanese Labor Government continues to work with all levels of government to deliver for the people of Hume.”

“The local swimming pool is treasured by so many of us. This significant investment in cheaper, cleaner energy for Mount Annan Leisure Centre helps to keep costs down, so the Council can continue investing in local services that benefit the community.”