The Hon Stephen Jones MP
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Financial Services
Member for Whitlam
The Hon Chris Bowen MP
Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Carol Berry
Candidate for Whitlam
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 27th February 2025
The Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre (MVAC) is set to undergo a major energy upgrade, thanks to $500,000 in of Albanese Government funding secured through the first round of the Community Energy Upgrade Fund.
This announcement will significantly reduce the Wingecarribee Shire Council’s energy bills for good as part of the Albanese Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund.
The project will replace the facility’s gas boilers with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient commercial-grade heat pumps for water heating. This significant upgrade will slash the Council’s gas-related emissions by approximately 517,000kg CO2-e annually accounting for 88% of the Council’s current gas emissions.
With around 220,000 visitors each year, the MVAC is a key community asset, and this transition to cleaner energy will enhance the site’s climate resilience, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the Council’s and Albanese Labor Government’s broader sustainability goals.
In addition to environmental benefits, the project is expected to deliver substantial cost savings and resilience improvements for the centre, including potential savings of approximately $171,000 in gas usage costs.
The upgrade is part of a long-term plan to make the facility fully self-reliant, with future investments in solar and battery storage.
This investment is part of the Labor’s commitment to delivering cleaner, greener, and more sustainable community infrastructure across the country. Through programs like the Community Energy Upgrade Fund, Labor is ensuring local communities have the support they need to transition to renewable energy, cut costs, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam, Hon. Stephen Jones MP:
“This funding will ensure the Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre is not only a first-class recreational facility with the ability to sustain itself into the future. Moving away from gas and towards clean energy will future proof this important community hub, lowering operating costs over time.”
“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to back projects like this that deliver real benefits for local communities. By investing in clean energy solutions, we are not only protecting our environment but also creating a stronger, more resilient future for all Australians.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia, Hon. Chris Bowen MP:
“We want facilities that Australians know and love, like footy stadiums, cricket grounds and local pools, to be able to save on their energy bills and spend more on the things they do best.”
“That’s why the Albanese Government is not just providing short term relief on power bills, with our Energy Savings Package and second round of our Community Energy Upgrades Fund for local councils going live today, we’re helping even more communities bring down bills for good.”
Quotes attributable to Candidate for Whitlam, Carol Berry:
“This investment by the Albanese Labor Government is a fantastic win for our community. By upgrading the Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre with energy-efficient technology, we are securing long-term financial savings while ensuring it remains an affordable and accessible facility for local families.”
“This project strikes the perfect balance between economic and environmental responsibility for our region. By reducing gas costs by approximately $171,000 per year and improving energy efficiency, we are ensuring ratepayer funds are used more effectively while also enhancing our community infrastructure for future generations.”
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Media Contacts:
Claire Stewart [Chris Bowen] 0461 490 501
Georgia Roff [Whitlam - Media Advisor] - 0428 160 565
