Council secures $2.5 Million for Net Zero Facilities Upgrade Program

Published on 13 November 2025

Griffith City Council has been awarded $2.5 million through the Albanese Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund to deliver the Griffith Net Zero Facilities Upgrade Program, a major step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community.

This program will electrify the Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre (GRALC) indoor pool complex, replacing energy-intensive gas systems with electric alternatives, and install solar and battery storage across Council’s water and wastewater sites. These upgrades will reduce emissions, cut energy costs and strengthen resilience for essential community facilities.

Griffith is one of 23 NSW councils sharing in $21 million under Round Two of the program, which supports councils to upgrade much-loved facilities with energy-efficient technology.

What this means for Griffith:

Indoor Pool Electrification

• Projected savings of 808,083 kWh annually, reducing emissions by 154 tonnes of CO₂e.

  GRALC Solar PV and Battery System

• Installation of a 272-kW roof-mounted solar PV system and 50 kW/100 kWh battery, generating 397,120 kWh of clean electricity annually and cutting emissions by 75 tonnes of CO₂e.

  Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

• Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) on clearwater pumps to improve efficiency and save 776,680 kWh annually, reducing emissions by 148 tonnes of CO₂e.
• 550 kW ground-mounted solar PV system, generating 803,000 kWh per year, reducing emissions by 153 tonnes of CO₂e.

Water Reclamation Plant Solar and Battery

• A 300-kW solar PV system with 200 kW/400 kWh battery, producing 438,000 kWh annually and reducing emissions by 83 tonnes of CO₂e.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said: ““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.”

Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran, welcomed the announcement.

“This investment is a game-changer for Griffith. By electrifying our pool complex and installing solar and battery systems at key sites, we’re reducing emissions, cutting costs and future-proofing our facilities,” he said.

“These upgrades will deliver long-term benefits for our community and demonstrate Council’s commitment to sustainability.”