Nillumbik Shire Council aquatic and recreation centres switch to renewable energy

Nillumbik Shire Council is taking real climate action as it continues to switch to renewable energy and instals two new solar systems at the Eltham Leisure Centre and Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre - cutting the Shire’s reliance on grid electricity.

Drivers of electric vehicles will also benefit, with six public charging stations installed at the two centres as part of the project.

The new systems build on the highly successful solar and battery project installed at the Community Bank Stadium in Diamond Creek in 2019.

The $540,000, 267kW rooftop solar PV at the Eltham Leisure Centre is the largest renewable energy generation system in the Shire.

It is anticipated to offset up to 20% of annual grid-sourced electricity each year on average and will also power four electric vehicle charging outlets in the leisure centre car park.

The system includes battery back-up for uninterrupted power to the reception area, toilets and change rooms during outages. There will also be real-time monitoring of the system on public display.

The project has been jointly funded by Council and the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

A $240,000 151kW rooftop solar PV and twin electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at the Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre in Greensborough, which is currently undergoing a $16.5 million redevelopment.

Mayor Peter Perkins said the solar projects were a way for Council to take meaningful action on climate and noted “this is an important way to ensure our facilities reduce their reliance on grid electricity and are sustainable in the long-term.

“Community feedback for the development of our new Climate Action Plan strongly supports Council cutting its emissions to net zero by 2030 or sooner.”

Liam O’Brien, Nillumbik Leisure Manager for Aligned Leisure, which manages Council’s five leisure centres, said Aligned Leisure welcomed the exciting addition of the new solar PV systems.

Obrien added “as these facilities are the largest consumers of power in the Shire, it is crucial that we move to renewable energy systems to reduce our carbon footprint.

“We are also excited for our patrons to enjoy the benefits that were included in the project such as electric vehicle charging stations, access to real-time monitoring on the centre displays and battery back up to lighting and computers, allowing the centres to remain safe and open during power outages.”

Images courtesy facebook.com/elthamleisurecentre