02-03-2026
Upper Lachlan Shire Council has been successful in securing funding in Round 2 of the Federal Governments Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF) program, which is a $100 million grant program aimed at upgrading Council owned and/or operated facilities with energy-efficient technology and infrastructure to help lower emissions and reduce energy costs.
Council will receive $1,144,180 from the Community Energy Upgrades Fund and will match this with a 50% co-contribution to deliver best practice energy efficient technology and infrastructure to multiple sites across the shire, including: solar panels and batteries on multiple Council facilities; LED streetlights and sporting field floodlights and upgrades to water and sewer stations and network.
The project is estimated to save Council thousands of dollars per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 131 tonnes CO2-e. This project seeks to build on funds Council has for sewer and water infrastructure upgrades to reduce leaks and pumping costs, install efficient pumps and variable speed drives and supply and install some modest solar and battery storage infrastructure.
CEO Alex Waldron says, ‘The installation of energy efficient technology and infrastructure in multiple Council sites across our shire will help to reduce Council’s energy bills, cut emissions and put Upper Lachlan on track to reach the Governments net zero targets.’
‘Council’s investment in renewable energy is in line with our efficiency program to improve Council’s financial sustainability. The proposed energy upgrades will enable us to increase the capacity of our constrained network, particularly during peak demand, reduce Council’s operating costs and provide better value for money to our community.’ Alex says.
Mayor Paul Culhane says ‘Councils success in securing the Community Energy Upgrade Fund demonstrates Councils ongoing commitment and investment in renewable energy. This will hopefully continue to build a financially strong and resilient Council that provides the best outcomes for our community.”
“The energy upgrades will occur in Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga, as these are the communities where Council facilities have the highest carbon footprint.”
The proposed energy upgrades across Upper Lachlan Shire are cost-effective actions adopted in the Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s Energy Masterplan 2019, Delivery Plan and Operation Plan. Upper Lachlan Shire Council and the community have roles to play in ensuring the region contributes to efforts to mitigate climate change. Taking action to reduce energy use, increase renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions is also aligned with Council’s Community Strategic Plan and the Upper Lachlan Community Strategic Plan 2042.
For further information or comment please contact Council on 02 4830 1000 or [email protected]