The Victorian Government and Nillumbik Shire Council are taking real climate action as we continues the big switch to renewable energy.

Two new solar systems at the Eltham Leisure Centre and Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre are now up and running, 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 project has been jointly funded by Council and the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

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 per cent 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.

Quote Attributable to Mayor Peter Perkins

“This is an important way to ensure our facilities reduce their reliance on grid electricity and are sustainable in the long-term,” Cr Perkins said.

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

Quote Attributable to Liam O’Brien, Nillumbik Leisure Manager for Aligned Leisure

“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,” Mr Obrien said.

“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.”

Quote Attributable to Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward

“Having these new solar-panels and the ability to charge on cars with green power is a fantastic investment by the State Government”