“Any money we can save through renewable energy can be put back into the community in roads, footpaths, and jobs,” Mayor Tom Kennedy

Broken Hill City Council is set to make a major shift to renewable energy across its operations after receiving $2.5 million in funding through the Commonwealth Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

The Council says the funding will go toward a $5.8 million project which will see the construction of carpark shelters with integrated solar panels at the Airport and Council Administrative building.

The project will also see rooftop solar and battery installations completed at almost all Council facilities, including large premises such as the Civic Centre, airport, new library, and Aquatic Centre.

Mayor, Tom Kennedy said the new installations would be of financial community benefit in the long term.

“Any money we can save through renewable energy can be put back into the community in roads, footpaths, and jobs,” he said.

“This project will have paid itself off in around five years and will continue to be a net benefit for Council and the community for years to come.

“I commend the Government for supporting this project and helping to reinforce the financial and environmental sustainability of Council and Broken Hill.”

Council’s General Manager, Jay Nankivell said the project would be a big boost in helping Council achieving its sustainability goals.

“We’re very conscious of reducing our carbon footprint and also our operating costs, and this will help achieve both of these goals,” he said.

“This move to renewable energy aligns with what the community has asked for through the Community Strategic Plan, and is also in line with what Council is looking to achieve through its Renewable Energy Action Plan.”