Darwin, Central Desert councils granted Community Energy Upgrades Fund to improve energy efficiency
Two Northern Territory councils have won more than $580,000 in federal grants for initiatives to improve energy efficiency.
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Two Northern Territory councils have won more than $580,000 in federal grants for initiatives to improve energy efficiency.
City of Darwin Council and Central Desert Regional Council joined 26 other local governments around the country selected to share in $50m paid from the Community Energy Upgrades Fund.
In Darwin, the grant will help to upgrade three of the council’s highest energy-using facilities: Parap Pool, Casuarina Library and West Lane Carpark.
The upgrades include installing a 50kW solar PV system at West Lane Carpark, a pool cover and pool pump retrofits and control upgrades at the Parap Pool complex, and cooling system upgrades and optimisation at Casuarina Library - expected to deliver $83,500 a year in energy bill savings.
The Central Desert Regional Council provides community development services in nine remote communities.
It plans to decarbonize its current electric power demands through the installation of renewable solar energy technology at its community service centers.
The grant scheme aims to help community facilities like pools, libraries and childcare centres to save on their energy bills and cut emissions through energy efficiency upgrades.
Grants of between $25,000 to $2.5 million have been awarded through the merit-based program, with local government providing at least half of project costs.
“Local councils run many of the sport and public facilities that keep our communities and clubs thriving,” Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.
“We want facilities that Australians know and love, like cricket grounds and local pools, to be able to save on their energy bills and spend more on the things they do best.
“The Albanese government is not just providing short term relief on power bills, with our Community Energy Upgrades Fund and Energy Savings Package, we’re helping communities bring down bills for good.”
Solomon MP Luke Gosling said it was “a fantastic win for our local community”.
“These cost savings will pave the way for new programs and projects that will enhance the City of Darwin for years to come,” he said.
“These grants aren’t just about saving costs — they’re an investment in a cleaner, more energy efficient future for the Territory.
“Every dollar saved is a dollar that can be used to strengthen our community, expand local programs, and build a better City of Darwin.”
Originally published as Darwin, Central Desert councils granted Community Energy Upgrades Fund to improve energy efficiency
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