20 February 2025
Yarra Ranges Shire will bring down their energy bills for good as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s bill busting Community Energy Upgrades Fund.
Today, Yarra Ranges Shire has secured $1.97 million fund major upgrades, including the electrification of the Monbulk aquatic centre. This investment will reduce operating costs, cut emissions, and ensure that the local aquatic centre remains a sustainable and accessible hub for the community well into the future.
This is one of 15 local government bodies around Victoria that will get on with bringing down their energy bills for good, with $50 million in grants for energy upgrades in round one of the Albanese Government $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF).
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. Now the Albanese Government is working with local councils, so they can save on their bills and invest more into their communities.
One-off grants of between $25,000 to $2.5 million have been awarded through the merit-based program, with local government providing at least 50 per cent of project costs.
Successful funding applications include 31 upgrades to local aquatic centres and five grants for smart electric vehicle charging infrastructure for local government vehicles.
The highly popular Albanese Labor Government initiative saw Round 1 oversubscribed, with 165 applications overall for the first $50 million package of funding. Round 2 is expected to open shortly, with unsuccessful applicants from round 1 warmly encouraged to reapply.
Attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
“Local councils run many of the sport and public facilities that keep our communities and clubs thriving. 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.”
Attributable to Senator for Victoria, Lisa Darmanin:
“This investment is a game-changer for the Monbulk community. These Community Energy Upgrades will help the council bring down bills for good. Lower energy costs mean more money can go towards programs, services, and keeping local facilities open and accessible for everyone.”
“Labor is delivering real, long-term savings for local councils, helping them cut costs and emissions at the same time.
By electrifying Monbulk Aquatic Centre, we’re future-proofing this important community asset and ensuring it remains a place for locals to swim, exercise, and connect for years to come.”
ENDS
Media contact:
Minister Bowen’s office – [email protected]
Senator Darmanin’s office – 0405 000 680 [email protected]
