The Hon Chris Bowen
Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Kristy McBain
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Minister for Emergency Management
Member for Eden-Monaro
The Hon Penny Sharpe
NSW Minister for Climate Change, NSW Minister for Energy
The Hon Ryan Park
NSW Minister for the South Coast
Dr Michael Holland
NSW Member for Bega
Local communities across the Far South Coast of NSW are set to benefit from cleaner energy, with 14 community projects receiving grants to install renewable energy technologies.
The $1 million grants cover the cost of purchase and installation of new solar and/or battery systems on community facilities used by groups for recreation, social, sporting and/or cultural purposes.
Powered by the sun and backed by battery storage, these projects are commencing immediately in locations across Bega, Bermagui, Candelo, Eden, Wallaga Lake, Narooma, Pambula and Wolumla.
The upgrades will help reduce energy bills and operational costs, protect the environment, while also enhancing the region’s energy resilience during emergencies like bushfires, by providing backup power.
Successful projects include:
- Dickinson’s Recreation Reserve Bermagui
- Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services
- Merrimans Local Aboriginal Lands Council – Wallaga Lake
- Bermagui Preschool
- Narooma Arts Centre
- Candelo Recreation Ground
- Narooma Community Preschool
- Barclay Street Sporting Complex Eden
- Pambula Sporting Complex
- Wolumla Recreation Ground
- University of Wollongong Bega Valley Campus
- Narooma Men's Shed Inc
- Narooma Leisure Centre
- Old Bega Hospital Regional Community Cultural Centre
The funding is part of the Australian Government’s Community Solar Banks program in NSW, administered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
For more information, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/far-south-coast-community-solar-and-battery-grant-program
Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:
“These community facilities are investing in the future, with these upgrades not just good for bringing down bills but also helping reduce their climate pollution too.
“We’re making sure no Australian misses out on cheap, clean and abundant renewable energy powering their homes, businesses and communities.”
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:
“Cleaner, more reliable energy means local groups can serve our communities with greater efficiency, reduced costs and a stronger foundation for the future.
These grants are about delivering tangible benefits today, while ensuring a more sustainable tomorrow.
These projects will not only reduce emissions but also enhance our region’s resilience during natural disasters.”
Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:
“Every project plays an important part in helping us achieve our net zero targets. These community facilities can make real savings on their energy bills and day-to-day operating costs, increasing their resilience to keep supporting the community.”
Quote attributable to NSW Minister for the South Coast, Ryan Park:
“Providing community facilities in the South Coast with clean and cheaper energy is a great initiative to improve community resilience and stimulate the local economy.”
Quote attributable to NSW Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:
“We are pleased to see these innovative projects taking shape and delivering real benefits to our local communities.
“By engaging local businesses for installation and maintenance, and strengthening the region’s energy resilience, particularly during emergencies, these grants provide significant and lasting value to the community.”
