Learn more about what's been done and what's ahead as our region transitions to new industry and innovation
Over the past year, Latrobe City has remained steadfast in the shift toward a more sustainable and diverse economy.
It's no secret that our region has a rich history deeply rooted in traditionalist industries. Our community is part of this history, generating electricity for more
than 100 years for Victoria, which has seen generations of people trained and employed in the energy sector.
As Latrobe City moves away from traditional energy that once underpinned our economy, we remain committed to enabling new energy and innovation. This is why Council is hosting this year's Gippsland New Energy Conference, where opportunities, challenges and innovations will be explored, to drive the transition
to a cleaner, sustainable future for generations to come.
As Victoria's most heavily impacted and transitioning region, Council acknowledges the transition away from industry is not a straightforward process. We must continue working with the community for an equitable transition.
As Our Transition plan highlights, it's our priority to move towards a bigger and brighter future for Latrobe City. Together we have worked to accommodate the growth of our City through many projects, initiatives - both led by Council and by the community. This focuses on attracting investment, upskilling to meet needs, skilled workforce promotion, understanding future job opportunities, providing business support, promoting Latrobe City and more.
An equitable transition to a new energy future means no one is left behind and industry diversification, economic growth and skilled employment are supported
Latrobe City is doing its part to move towards Net Zero Emissions. Here are just some of those key projects:
BIOGAS - The Landfill Biogas Renewable Energy Project
Did you know Council has installed a Biogas Generator at Hyland Highway to use harvested methane or 'biogas' to generate electricity? Biogas is produced from waste which is captured from wells bored into the landfill. It is then cleared and fed into a gas generator to offset the electricity Council consumes. The generator will produce up to 5400 MWh of electricity per year, increasing until 2032.
GEOTHERMAL - Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre
The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) is the only public aquatic centre in regional Victoria utilising geothermal technology.GRAC is a world class regional $57 million facility with the ability to host regional, state, national and international events. The pool is heated by deep-bore geothermal technology, which draws geothermal heat from an underground aquifer 600 metres below Traralgon, where groundwater is around 65 degrees Celsius. This saves approximately $639,000 annually and reduces carbon emission of around 840 tonnes
NET ZERO - PV Installations (Solar), LED Lighting and Batteries
Latrobe City Council is working towards net zero energy emissions through the delivery of new energy initiatives, efficiencies, and offsets. Council has completed a major light replacement project, installing over 2,500 high-performing and energy efficient LED streetlights in current lighting infrastructure across the region. Not only does this save ratepayer money and provides better visibility at night, but it also reduces greenhouse gases by 900 tonnes each year.
Solar panels are also currently being installed on major building across Latrobe City. For the current solar project, 900 kilowatts (kW) of solar panels will produce 1 million kWh of electricity each year. This includes Leisure Centres, GRAC, Moe Outdoor Pool, Churchill Hub and Kernot Hall. Additionally, 400 kW of solar and battery will power Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, which will increase Council's solar capacity to nearly 2 MW.
All up, there is about 600 kW of solar powering Latrobe City currently - reducing reliance on overall carbon emissions, directly contributing to
net zero targets.
Net Zero means working towards a state where emissions of greenhouse gases due to human activities, and removals of these gases, are in balance. As a region, we are working towards this. To achieve Net Zero by 2035, Council and community will continue working together. Targets include:
- 3 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2026
- 100% certified renewable energy by 2030
- Electrification of non-aquatic centres by 2030
- Council heavy fleet and machinery transitioned to electric or other clean energy by 2035
- Electrification (or geothermal) of aquatic centres by 2040
- Net zero greenhouse emissions by 2035 with offsets used if required
Achieving net zero emissions is no small feat, but it is achievable. Through Council-led projects and the Our Transition plan, it is a significant shared goal to move forward into a sustainable and economically diverse future, together.
