The Hon Chris Bowen MP
Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Member for McMahon
The Hon Josh Wilson MP
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Member for Fremantle
Anne Stanley MP
Member for Werriwa
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
SOLAR POOLS AND BATTERY STORAGE ACROSS LIVERPOOL LGA WITH $358,202 FOR BILL BUSTING UPGRADES
03 December 2025
Batteries to store excess solar at sporting fields, more EV charging and the community pool going electric are just some of the 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. The Albanese Government is working with councils, so they can save on their bills and invest more into their communities.
In the second round of the fund 66 local governments across Australia will receive $50 million in grants, empowering them to bring down their energy bills for good through energy efficiency and electrification upgrades to community facilities. This builds on the success of the first round of grants which saw 17 councils receive grants. An additional 23 councils will receive support through round two.
Liverpool City Council will be funded $358,202 to upgrade much loved community facilities with energy-efficient technology, with benefits to be enjoyed by our community.
These projects include:
• Solar Panels at Rose Street Depot A (49kW)
• Solar Panels at Rose Street Depot B (37kW)
• Solar Panels at Cowpasture Road Depot (99kW)
• Solar Panels at Carnes Hill Community Centre (99kW)
• Solar Panels at Middleton Rural Fire Brigade ((19kW)
• Solar Panels and Batteries at Whitlam Leisure Centre (247kW with 50kWh battery)
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 Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:
“The Community Energy Upgrades Fund is a fantastic initiative to ensure local Councils are investing in cost effective and energy efficient upgrades for their community.
“This funding will allow Liverpool City Council to upgrade 6 community facilities in the LGA, supporting Council’s goal to reach net zero by 2036.”
