The Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) will switch from natural gas to electricity thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the federal government.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen joined Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino, Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari and councillor Susan Yengi at MAC on Tuesday to announce the funding which will support the replacement of the centre’s existing gas infrastructure with a centralised heat pump system, reducing 1,220 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
According to the council, the reduction of 1,220 tonnes of emissions equates to 93 per cent of its gas-related emissions and 41 per cent of its total emissions based on 2022/2023 figures.
The upgrade to MAC’s heating system also forms part of the council’s climate emergency strategy.
Cr Tiwari thanked the federal government for their support in helping council reduce carbon emissions.
“This grant is a significant step in achieving our goal of zero emissions by 2030, as outlined in the climate emergency strategy,” he said.
“By removing gas boilers at MAC, we will be vastly improving the energy efficiency of this facility, resulting in reduced emissions.”
The funding announcement is part of the federal government’s community energy upgrades program, with Maribyrnong one of 58 local government recipients.
