Mount Barker Council urged to spend at least $1.6m on solar array at new aquatic centre under bid to cut carbon emissions

The council is being urged to consider spending nearly $4.5m on solar and battery at its under-construction aquatic centre to aid an audacious bid to cut emissions by up to 75 per cent.

Mount Barker Council should consider spending up to $4.4m on a solar array and battery storage system at its new aquatic centre to assist its bid to cut its emissions by at least 60 per cent over the next decade, a report says.

The council is embarking on an ambitious energy-saving plan to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2050 using 100 per cent renewable energy and will focus on cutting energy use at the caravan park, installing LED lights and solar panels.

A report recommends it spend between $1.4 and $1.6m on a 700kW solar array at the under-construction Regional Indoor Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

It would pay for itself within nine years because of the “significant” power load expected from the new centre and is expected to cut the council’s energy consumption by nearly one million kWh while preventing about 330 tonnes of carbon entering the atmosphere a year.

The Net Zero report also put a ‘maybe’ next to the idea of spending up to $2.8m on battery storage at the aquatic centre if it wasn’t required to operate and maintain the battery.

Artist impressions for the proposed $52m Mount Barker Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

General manager of infrastructure Phil Burton said stage one of the aquatic centre doesn’t include battery storage and there was roof space to fit a solar system about half of what was recommended – about 340kW.

“Given the energy consumption of the building, approximately 99 per cent of the energy generated by these solar panels will be used in the operation of the centre, with less than 1 per cent of the energy being exported back to the grid,” he said.

“Based on these consumption figures and capital investment, battery storage is not feasible in stage one.”

The report also recommends replacing hot water systems and clothes dryers at the caravan park, more smaller solar arrays and switching to LED lighting.

Overall, council aims to save 3500 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere between 2023 and 2035. EV charging stations are a future option at the aquatic centre.

An artist's impression of the proposed Mount Barker Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Picture: Supplied

It is currently revising the master plan for its proposed $100m City Centre, considering energy-saving initiatives.

The council’s energy drainer is its wastewater treatment plant, which uses nearly 70 per cent of the council’s total power.

A major replacement project has started on a new plant, which should be operational by 2027.

The other top users are the caravan park (16.6 per cent), the Sports Hub (5.8), its Civic Centre/council offices (4.6) and environment depot (3.6).

The council would dump all natural gas usage and move to 100 per cent all-electric by 2030.

The council has budgeted $150,000 this financial year to cut emissions by moving to renewables and electric vehicles, and embark on efficiency upgrades.

Mr Burton said about 96 per cent of the council’s car fleet was already hybrid and was developing a plan to move to 100 per cent fully electric passenger vehicles by 2030.

“Council is working to reduce its emissions in response to global and regional concerns about climate change,” he said.

“By cutting emissions, the council aims to mitigate the environmental impact of its operations and improve sustainability within the community.

“Reducing emissions is also part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term environmental health, protect local ecosystems, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

“Additionally, many councils, including Mount Barker, are aligning with state and national goals for reducing carbon footprints and transitioning to more energy-efficient and renewable solutions.

“This move helps the council meet regulatory requirements, manage climate risks, and support economic opportunities in a low-carbon future.”