Federal government’s cash splash on Alice Springs, Palmerston pools called ‘practical climate action’
Two Territory town pools are the latest beneficiary of a more than $1m federal cash splash, which one pollie says is ‘practical climate action’. Find out more.
A federal cash splash on swimming pools infrastructure in the Top End and the Red Centre is “what practical climate action looks like,” one NT federal pollie says.
Energy infrastructure at pools in Palmerston and Alice Springs have been given grants to get an upgrade, according to announcement made the federal government on Tuesday.
The Palmerston swimming and fitness centre (SWELL Palmerston) has been given a $264,000 grant to be put towards the installation of solar PV and battery storage at the centre, the announcement said.
The Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre, run by the Alice Springs Town Council, will get a new high-efficiency heat pump, and a solar PV and battery storage, thanks to a $875,000 investment, according to the announcement.
Solomon MP Luke Gosling said the cash splash is “what practical climate action looks like – solar panels on local roofs, batteries powering community facilities, and savings staying in the Territory to support sport, health and family activities”.
The money is coming from the second round of the federal government’s $100 million community energy upgrades funds.
Across the country, 66 councils received funding, in what federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said “will ensure these facilities will continue to operate for years to come”.
“Generations of Australians have enjoyed and benefited from facilities in the local community, and with this latest round of funding from the Community Energy Upgrades Fund, we are ensuring that these facilities will continue to operate for years to come,” he said.
Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour said partnering with local governments such as the Alice Springs Town Council helps the government achieve net zero targets.
“Our government is driving the transition to net-zero, and partnering with local councils like the one in Alice Springs ensures we reach that goal while also making infrastructure like the town pool more energy efficient to operate,” she said.
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Originally published as Federal government’s cash splash on Alice Springs, Palmerston pools called ‘practical climate action’
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