Announced in November by the Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy – the latest round of funding through the Federal Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund will provide a total of $21 million for NSW councils, including $5.8M for Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Singleton Councils. Along with matching dollars from councils, these funds will deliver:
- Energy Resilience Upgrades at Charlestown Swimming Pool
- Electrification of Maitland’s Regional Art Gallery and Aquatic Centre
- Integrated Energy Upgrade Program for Singleton Gym & Swim, Lake St Clair, and the Sewage Treatment Plant.
Of the 19 regional councils to receive funding, 16 are supported by the Joint Organisation Net Zero (JONZA) program, funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). The JONZA program supports councils across regional NSW, including the Hunter and Central Coast in accelerating decarbonisation. The JONZA program helps councils develop clear emissions baselines, action plans, and renewable opportunities across the region, such as electrifying fleets and improving energy efficiency through energy upgrade projects.
Proudly, we were able to assist member councils with their applications through the JONZA program and the DCCEEW Sustainable Councils team, providing a range of roles from simple advisory to high-level technical support, data collection analysis, access to tools for feasibility and scenario assessments, and tips to enhance application writing.
The outcome of this funding for the region is a powerful example of how collaboration and alignment across state and local governments can help councils deliver meaningful emissions-reduction outcomes for our communities.
Learn more about our Net Zero work by visiting our website: https://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/net-zero/
The Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration program is funded by the NSW Government.