Blue Mountains City Council is progressing a major energy upgrade program across Council facilities, with several key components now underway.
The two-year program, funded by the Australian Government through the Community Energy Upgrades Fund, will deliver energy efficiency and electrification upgrades across seven Council-owned sites, including five aquatic facilities, Council Chambers and the Katoomba South Street Depot.
Mayor, Mark Greenhill said the progress marked an important step in Council’s ongoing work to reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of its facilities.
“We’re now seeing this significant program move from planning into delivery, with a number of major upgrades progressing across the Blue Mountains,” Mayor Greenhill said.
“These are practical improvements that will reduce our energy use and operating costs while helping Council transition away from fossil fuels.
“They will also provide an important real-world example of how technologies such as heat pumps and battery storage can operate effectively here in the Blue Mountains.”
Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said the Australian Government is committed to practical and targeted supports to tackle energy costs and efficiency, and encourage the use of renewable energy.
“All three things happen through this program and I am pleased to see Council’s progress in implementation,” she said.
Works already completed through the program include new pool covers at Katoomba, Lawson, Glenbrook and Springwood aquatic facilities, helping to retain heat and reduce the energy required to maintain pool temperatures. Energy-efficient variable speed drives have also been installed on pool pumps at Glenbrook and Blackheath, reducing electricity use by allowing pumps to operate more efficiently according to demand.
Planning is progressing for new heat pump systems at Lawson, Glenbrook and Springwood aquatic facilities, with the tender process now under review.
Design work has also commenced for battery storage across six Council sites.
The upgrades are designed to reduce Council’s peak electricity demand, improve energy efficiency and support greater use of renewable energy.
“This is not only about improving the way Council operates its facilities,” Mayor Greenhill said.
“We also want to share what we learn so our community and local businesses can see what is possible and make informed choices about energy-efficient technologies.”
The Mayor said Council will develop case studies as the program progresses, sharing the results and lessons learned with the community and local government sector.
The program is expected to continue through to October 2027.
