New grant program to power play

LOCAL sporting clubs across the region are set to benefit from a $50 million federal program that will help upgrade facilities with climate-smart improvements like batteries, solar and better shade.

The new grants program, intended to help up to 500 sports clubs over four years, was announced last week shortly after the Albanese government’s Net Zero Plan, which sets Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction targets at 62-70 per cent.

The initiative will allow local clubs to cut energy bills, climate-proof their facilities and reinvest the savings from solar and batteries into the club to help purchase new equipment and fund girls’ participation programs and pathways for young athletes and officials.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said the grants represented an exciting opportunity for sporting clubs to embrace the benefits of the net zero transition.

“The Net Zero Plan has a focus on bringing down emissions in key sectors, but it also recognises the part community can play in helping Australia bring down emissions — and we know that at the heart of many communities across our region are sporting clubs,” she said.

“This is an exciting announcement, and I’m encouraging our clubs to consider how energy efficiency upgrades could benefit their facilities.

“I’ll be in touch with all local sports clubs when the guidelines are released, to ensure our region makes the most of this amazing opportunity.”

The government is also calling on the private sector to step up and partner in futureproofing community sport.

In a joint statement, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, and Minister for Sport Anika Wells, said energy companies, banks, installers and equipment providers could all play a role to “multiply the impact” of the government’s investment.

“Sporting clubs are already feeling the impact of climate change, and the recently released National Climate Risk Assessment noted that more frequent and more intense extreme weather events will impact sport and recreation.

“This funding will protect our way of life and make community clubs stronger by helping them take practical action on climate and slash bills for good.”