Electrifying transformation for Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre

Published on 25 February 2025

Council has welcomed a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Government to transition Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) from natural gas to electricity. The funding will support the replacement of MAC's existing gas infrastructure with a centralised heat pump system, reducing 1,220 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

The funding was announced by the Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, at MAC, with Member for Fraser, Dr Daniel Mulino, and Mayor Cr Pradeep Tiwari.

The upgrade, which is a key action within Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy, will enhance energy efficiency, provide thermal comfort through cooling, and save approximately $400,000 a year on operational energy costs.

Mayor, Cr Pradeep 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. By removing gas boilers at MAC, we will be vastly improving the energy efficiency of this facility, resulting in reduced emissions.”

Based on 2022/2023 figures, the reduction of 1,220 tonnes of emissions equates to 93 per cent of gas-related emissions for Council, and 41 per cent of our total emissions. 

The funding announcement is part of the Federal Government's Community Energy Upgrades Fund Program, with Maribyrnong City Council being one of 58 local government recipients.

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