The City of Ballarat is celebrating a significant step toward sustainability and energy efficiency, with the Australian Government announcing a $2.5 million grant to support a major heating system upgrade at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC).
Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King made the announcement on Friday alongside City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves.
This transformative $7.7 million project will see the installation of an eco-friendly heat pump system, dramatically reducing gas consumption, emissions, and operational costs at one of the region's largest community facilities.
The City of Ballarat, which owns and operates BALC, is contributing $5.2 million towards the project, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and smart energy solutions.
The upgrade will replace the centre's aging gas boilers with state-of-the-art heat pump technology, significantly cutting gas use by 96 per cent, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,743 tonnes annually.
Utility fees are a significant component of the annual running costs. The project is expected to generate operational savings of $480,000 per year, achieving a return on investment within about 10 years and net savings of $2.1 million by year 15.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the project represents a major milestone in the city's transition to clean energy.
"This investment will deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits for our community," she said.
"The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre is one of the largest users of energy in our region, and this upgrade will not only future-proof the facility, but also contribute to Ballarat's target of reaching zero emissions in the coming years.
"I want to thank the Australian Government for the financial support of this important project."
This funding is not dependent on the result of the upcoming Federal election.
The new system will use high efficiency air-source and water-source heat pumps to provide heating across BALC's five indoor pools and three pool halls.
Additionally, the project will lay the foundation for future energy-efficient upgrades, including centralised cooling and dehumidification systems, which would further improve the comfort of visitors, as well as reducing operating costs even further.
BALC, which welcomes more than 650,000 visitors annually, has been an important local facility to the Ballarat community since 1994. The planned heat pump system will have a life expectancy approximately four times longer than gas boilers and ensures the centre remains at the forefront of sustainable aquatic and fitness services for decades to come.
"This project is a game-changer for BALC and will serve as a leading example for other aquatic centres across Australia looking to transition away from gas," Cr Hargraves said.
