A LOCAL council is investing $70,000 to cover a feasibility study into renewable energy, including the use of heat pump technology at the Gawler Aquatic Centre.
At their general meeting last month, Gawler Council elected members unanimously voted to increase the 2020/21 Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) Working Group ‘stage 1’ budget bid of $15,000 to $70,000 by bringing forward
‘stage 2’.
Gawler Council was the first council in South Australia to endorse a Climate Emergency Declaration last year.
In a report to council, the CEAP Working Group noted energy efficiency and cost saving opportunities could be achieved through the supplementing of the existing pool gas heating with heat pump technology.
An aquatic centre performance review also identified that the use of natural gas for the heating of pool water results in high operational costs each year between $40,000 and $50,000, as well as $36,000 per year of electricity consumption for non-heating purposes.
It also noted the utilisation of heat pump technology could include up to:
• 85 per cent reduction in energy consumption for pool heating.
• 40 per cent reduction in energy costs.
• 65 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for pool heating.
• 100 per cent transition from natural gas burning.
During discussion, councillor Cody Davies said the feasibility study would save council funds in the long-term.
“This is a cost-saving measure when it comes down to it…” he said.
“I think it is fairly well documented in the ways it will pay for itself in the long-run.”
Councillor Diane Fraser echoed Cr Davies and said the increase was a “no-brainer”.
“Sometimes you’ve got to spend money to save money and this is one of those
incidents where that is true,” she said.
Councillor Ian Tooley commended the CEAP Working Group for doing a “great job” on a “shoe string budget”.
“It’s a win-win,” he said.
“This is an environmental saving and financial saving...”
Councillors also voted to request staff provide a costed ‘Gawler Aquatic Centre - Heat Pump Design and Installation Analysis Report’ and to address any potential project risks identified.
The report to council also noted a potential opportunity to partner with Citizens Own Renewable Energy Network (CORENA) to install the proposed heat pumps – set to be included in a future report to council.