Kate Thwaites MP and the Albanese Labor Government are investing $2.3 million through the Community Energy Upgrade Fund to help WaterMarc transition off gas and go fully electric.

This project, which also includes switching the council offices above the pool to all-electric, is the first of its kind in Australia.

We’re supporting projects like this nationwide to help councils become more sustainable, reduce costs, and reinvest in essential community services.

This investment will save Banyule City Council $400,000 annually on energy bills while significantly cutting emissions.

Currently, WaterMarc relies on four gas boilers to heat the pool, hall, and the four-storey office building. These boilers cost more than $465,000 per year to operate.

The funding will allow for their replacement with energy-efficient heat pump technology and upgrades to air handling systems.

Out of 165 applications, only 58 were successful in this funding round. This is real action on climate and real savings for our community.