Council Takes Steps to Electrification and Net Zero
Published on 13 November 2025
Bathurst Regional Council was recently successful in its application to Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Community Energy Upgrade Fund for its project ‘Steps to Electrification and Net Zero’.
Deputy Mayor Cr Ben Fry noted that Bathurst joins 65 other Local Governments across Australia benefiting from a share of $50million of Federal Funding to assist with energy efficient electrification upgrades to community facilities that will lower energy bills and save costs.
“Council's success in this second round of funding is certainly welcome news. The Federal Government will contribute up to $1,786,923 of the total expenditure of $4,044,293 over our two-year Steps to Electrification and Net Zero project.
“The project will be implemented across two Council sites: the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and the Bathurst Manning Aquatic Centre (Aquatic Centre). At the WWTP, Council will install a 780kWp ground mounted solar system with battery storage. While at the Aquatic Centre, gas powered boilers will be replaced with electric heat pumps and additional solar will be installed. Each of these important actions are identified in Council’s Emissions Reduction Plan or Renewable Energy Action plan.
“It is estimated that, once complete, the project will reduce Council’s greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 900 tCO2e every year and increase the proportion of Council’s behind the meter renewable energy generation to 16.5%. This will all result in estimated operational savings to Council of more than $350,000 per year, which is an enormous support to our bottom line,” said Cr Fry.
The Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee MP, remarked this funding holds countless benefits for the community.
“This is serious funding which will slash power costs at the Bathurst Waste Treatment Plant and Manning Aquatic Centre, saving big bucks every year and making it a huge win for ratepayers.
“This modern, reliable heating upgrade at the Aquatic Centre is also a great win for pool users, and the community will be delighted this major investment is being made in this key facility for the region. It will stand the pool in good stead for years to come,” Mr Gee said.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP, noted that generations of Australians have enjoyed and benefitted from facilities in the local community, with this latest round of funding from the Albanese Government 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,” said Minister Bowen.
Pictured: Director Environmental, Planning & Building Services Neil Southorn, Deputy Mayor Cr Ben Fry and Manager Recreation Mark Kimbel.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer