WAGGGA WAGGA’S OASIS REGIONAL AQUATIC CENTRE RECEIVES $2.5 MILLION TOWARDS UPGRADE
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says a $2.5 million funding boost for Wagga Wagga’s Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre will improve energy efficiency at the popular recreational facility.
The funding, through the Federal Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF), will be used to improve pool heating at the premises.
Mr McCormack said the money would go towards installing solar panels and replacing gas boilers with electric heat pumps, increasing energy efficiency and reducing overheads.
“This is a welcome announcement in which the whole Wagga Wagga region will be able to benefit,” Mr McCormack said.
“The project involves upgrading the current heating system to be better for the environment and I am told it will apply to all the pools at the swimming centre.
“Upgrading existing community infrastructure assets to be more energy efficient is a great way to reduce emissions. It will also allow Councils to use ratepayers’ money on other important projects in the local community.”
The Department of Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) states the $100 million CEUF is a targeted, competitive grant program that provides co-funding for energy upgrades at existing local government facilities. The program aims to help local governments make their facilities more energy efficient, cut their emissions and reduce their energy bills.
Round 1 of the two-round CEUF was announced on 21 December 2023 and closed on 30 April 2024 with the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen announcing successful applicants on 20 February 2025.
Round 2 of the program is “expected to open in early 2025”, according to the DCCEEW website.
Councils who wish to find out more about this initiative can go to Community Energy Upgrades Fund Program - DCCEEW