Colac's Bluewater Leisure Centre will switch to electric heating, keeping swimmers comfortable year-round while cutting carbon emissions.
Council has been successful in securing $1.3 million in Federal Government funding to electrify Bluewater's systems. Council will match the funding.
This will enable Council to replace Bluewater's gas heat pumps and gas-powered air conditioning with an electric system, delivering long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.
The new equipment will use electricity to heat the pool water and pool hall space, supply domestic hot water for showers, and provide air conditioning for the gym and office areas.
General Manager Community and Economy Ian Seuren said council was delighted to receive the funding.
"Bluewater's electrification is a flagship project for Colac Otway Shire Council.
"Bluewater Leisure Centre is Council's largest gas consumer and creates the majority of the organisation's gas emissions.
"Full electrification would reduce Council's overall emissions by almost a quarter, and it would significantly cut our heating bills, so based on our assumptions we could see a return on investment in less than 10 years.
"Bluewater is a much-loved facility in Colac, with its indoor pool, gym and other facilities. Upgrading the heating systems will ensure swimmers can stay active even in the depths of winter, gym-goers can work out in comfort, and our staff can enjoy a great work environment."
Mr Seuren said Colac Otway committed to switch away from natural gas at all Council facilities in its Climate Change Action Plan in 2023.
"Electrification provides terrific economical and environment benefits.
"It shows great leadership by Council and benefits our community."
The funding comes from the Federal Government's Community Energy Upgrades Fund, which aims to help local government to deliver energy upgrades and lower greenhouse emissions and energy bills.
