NARRABRI Shire Council has welcomed $157,151 funding from the Australian Government to deliver new rooftop solar systems at Narrabri Aquatic Centre and The Crossing Theatre.

Narrabri Shire is one of 66 councils nationally, and 23 in New South Wales, to receive funding under Round Two of the Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

Regionally, Gunnedah Shire Council received more than $430,000 for community energy upgrades

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens said the project is a strong example of how Council’s long-term planning is guiding investment and attracting external funding.

“This project directly delivers on our Community Strategic Plan, where we’ve committed to promoting and implementing sustainable practices, energy-efficient solutions and renewable technologies,” Cr Tiemens said.

“Our Renewable Energy Action Plan identified the Aquatic Centre and The Crossing Theatre as our two highest energy-use facilities and highlighted rooftop solar as a smart, effective way to shift our reliance off the grid.

“Securing this funding means we can now turn that planning into action.”

The project will prevent around 400 tonnes of CO₂-e emissions each year and significantly reduce energy costs.

Solar generation will offset 23 per cent of the Aquatic Centre’s current usage and 42 per cent of The Crossing Theatre’s usage.

This equates to annual savings of approximately $33,000 for the Aquatic Centre and $41,000 for The Crossing Theatre.

Narrabri Shire general manager Eloise Chaplain said the operational benefits will have a direct flow-on effect for the community.

“Reducing operating costs helps ensure we can continue to provide affordable access to aquatic programs, entertainment events and venue hire,” Ms Chaplain said.

“These savings can also be reinvested into infrastructure upgrades, community programs and essential services, creating long-term value for our residents.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said generations of Australians have enjoyed and benefitted from facilities in local communities.

“With this latest round of funding, we are ensuring these facilities can invest more into their work for their local communities,” Mr Bowen said.

“From the local cricket ground, story time at the library, and diving into the local pool at the height of summer, these upgrades will deliver a cheaper, cleaner energy future for Australia – it’s further proof that what’s good for the planet is good for the pocket.”

With a combined visitation of around 60,000 people a year, both Narrabri facilities play an important role in the wellbeing, recreation and cultural life of the community.

Work on the installations will begin next year, with the systems expected to be online by December 2026.

The total cost of this project is $314,343. This project received $157,151.00 in grant funding from the Australian Government and Council is co-contributing $157,141.