After sustained advocacy from Council, the Australian Government provided $2.9 million via its Thriving Suburbs program to upgrade the Centre from gas to electricity and to improve cooling and dehumidification of the pool and spa hall.

This will reduce emissions in the order of 400 tonnes a year and will vastly improve safety and comfort for CLC’s patrons and employees, especially during heatwaves. 

These upgrades will improve energy efficiency and enable net-zero emissions through use of on-site and grid-supplied 100% renewable energy and battery storage.

Mayor of Yarra Councillor Stephen Jolly says this was a significant investment that will help drive a massive reduction in emissions.

“The Australian Government’s support allows us to take real, tangible steps towards achieving net zero emissions by 2035,” he says.

In 2024, Yarra City Council scaled up its ambition with a focus on supporting communities most at risk from climate impacts.

Yarra City Council has made significant progress in reducing its emissions, achieving a 70 percent reduction since 2001.

Assistant Minister for Health & Aged Care and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health & the Federal Member for Cooper, Ged Kearney says, “My electorate of Cooper has been loud and clear about wanting action on climate change and the Albanese Labor Government isn’t just listening, we’re taking action.”