At Councils April meeting, Council viewed a proposed project to install solar panels at the Junee Recreation and Aquatic Centre (JJRAC).
Council owns and operates the JJRAC and the operation of this centre uses a considerable amount of electricity and gas. By implementing a renewable energy solution, Council will be able to reduce its greenhouse emissions and operating expenditure.
The JJRAC solar project involves the installation of a 99kw solar PV system, a 60kw Battery energy storage system, a 60kw DC dual-port EVcharging station and pump control hardware.
The expertise of the Director of Engineering Services will be used to manage the project.
Chargeworks Pty Ltd, a Wagga based Renewable Technology company, will be used to establish a scope of works and provide technical design specifications.
Council said the project is scheduled to commence around August 2025 and conclude in May 2026. Funding is included in the F2025 budget and will be revoted to F2026 budget in a future revotes report. Funding Council successfully applied for a grant of $180,000 for the implementation of Solar Panels, a Battery and an EVCharging Station at JJRAC. The project will total $360,000 with the remaining $180,000 being funded by a $43,000 local member grant for the establishment of an EV charging station and the remaining $137,000 being funded by Council according to the business paper for April’s meeting.
An agreement negotiation form has been submitted to the Federal Government, but no finalised agreement has been received for signing as yet.
Council said the project will be of great benefit as JJRAC spends $100,000 on gas and $64,000 on electricity per annum. It will enable Council to reduce its reliance on gas and use electricity from the solar field and battery to substantially off-set electricity costs, while also being able to charge EV’s.
When applying for the grant, Council worked with William Adlong, who is REROC’s Regional Energy and Net Zero Project Officer, who made a significant positive input to the application process. This is another example of the benefits that are derived from Council being a member of REROC.
Council said this project will provide considerable benefits to Council for years to come. It will save Council money, reduce greenhouse emissions and enhance one of Council’s most important assets.
-Jack Murray