Lake Macquarie Dives Into Solar Future with $5 Million Pool Project
Lake Macquarie City Council has officially launched an ambitious plan to convert its swimming pools to renewable energy, beginning with a $5 million transformation of the Charlestown Swim Centre into a 100 per cent solar-powered facility. Announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, this landmark project marks a significant step in the council's environmental strategy and will serve as a crucial test case for greening the city's other aquatic centres.
A Public-Private Partnership Powers the Change
The project's viability hinges on a matched funding arrangement, with the council committing $2.5 million to equal a federal government grant of the same amount, secured through the Community Energy Upgrades Program. Brendan Callander, the council's manager of environmental systems, confirmed that without this joint investment, the project's 30-year payback period would have been unfeasible. The current combined investment brings the payback period down to a manageable 15.2 years.
Scheduled for completion in 2028, the upgrade will involve installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the main building to replace the existing gas boilers and electric heat pumps. Additional panels will be fitted onto a new shade structure covering a fully upgraded car park off Dickinson Street.
Significant Environmental and Financial Benefits
The environmental impact of this switch is substantial. The council predicts the conversion will slash the facility's carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 420 tonnes per year, which is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 60 average Australian homes. Financially, the move is a smart one, expected to reduce the council's combined electricity and gas bills by a remarkable $130,000 annually.
Mr Callander highlighted the dual benefits, stating, "It will be really good to see how it performs and what it does to our emissions profile, and also the operational cost for the facility." He added that with consistently rising energy prices, such transitions are becoming essential for public infrastructure.
More Than Just Solar: A Win for Pool Users
While the shift to renewable energy is the headline, local residents will likely celebrate the long-awaited upgrade to the problematic car park. The current uncovered gravel area, notorious for its potholes and dust, has been a source of frustration and safety concerns. The renovation will see the car park fully asphalted and covered by a shaded structure, improving both safety and user comfort, especially during busy summer carnival days.
If the Charlestown project proves successful, the council plans to explore similar solar conversions for its other pools located at Speers Point, West Wallsend, Toronto, Swansea, and Morisset. This initiative positions Lake Macquarie as a leading local government area in New South Wales actively investing in a sustainable and cost-effective future for its community facilities.
