Local community groups slash energy costs and cut emissions

Published on 07 March 2022

Mildura Rural City Council has received more than $47,000 in Victorian Government funding to reduce energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions at six community facilities.

Sustainability Victoria’s Community Climate Change and Energy Action program supports community groups to make their facilities more energy efficient.

The latest round of recipients in the Mallee include:

Mildura and Workers Bowls Clubs
Solar PV installation

Mildura Football Netball Club
Solar PV installation

DeGaris Kindergarten
Level 2 Energy Audit

Ouyen Pre-School
Level 2 Energy Audit

Underbool Pre-School
Level 2 Energy Audit

Murrayville Pre-School
Level 2 Energy Audit

Councillor for Environment and Sustainability Jason Modica said these projects would make a real difference to each community group.

“Whether it’s installation of solar PV systems that slash electricity bills, or comprehensive audits showing where energy savings can be made, our latest six recipients will be able to realise real-world benefits to their operations,” Cr Modica said.

Mildura and Workers Bowls Clubs Executive Officer Garry Wescombe said the Community Climate Change and Energy Action program was easy to navigate and would provide both clubs with ongoing energy savings.

“Most grants are detailed and drawn out but working with Council’s Environmental Sustainability team on this project was an absolute pleasure,” Mr Wescombe said.

“We felt as though they completely understood our strong desire for installing this important energy saving equipment to our clubhouse in partnership with Council.

“After struggling through COVID lockdowns and incurring substantial loss of club income over the last two years, working in such a positive way and then achieving the success for our efforts will provide us with important long term savings assisting our two clubs.

“This will improve and sustain our key viability for both our members and the community and an opportunity also to do our bit for the environment by removing 49 tonnes of greenhouse emissions per year. Both clubs are extremely pleased to achieve this success through Sustainability Victoria.”

Cr Modica encouraged community groups to apply for the latest round of Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program grants, which are now open.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for the implementation of projects that focus on the reduction of energy bills, energy use and/or greenhouse gas emissions of community facilities.

Applications are open until Monday 4 April 2022.

For more information contact Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Jay Smith on 5018 8100 or jay.smith@mildura.vic.gov.au

ENDS