Marking a significant stride in its renewable energy agenda, the Mildura Rural City Council has successfully commissioned a new 99 kW rooftop solar installation at a major community hub, the Mildura Sporting Precinct (MSP).
The new photovoltaic array, comprised of 198 high-efficiency 500 W panels, is projected to generate over 114,000 kWh of clean electricity each year. This output is expected to slash the precinct’s annual energy bills by as much as $19,000 and supply approximately 15% of the facility’s total electricity consumption.
Federal and State Funding Power Local Green Energy at Mildura Sports Complex Gets 99kW Solar System in Australia
The project was brought to fruition through significant government support, totaling $585,000. Funding was secured via a $490,000 grant from the Australian government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, supplemented by a $95,000 grant from Sustainability Victoria’s Community Power Hubs initiative.
Federal Local Government Minister Kristy McBain highlighted the program’s success, stating, “It’s fantastic to see councils delivering future-focused, energy efficiency projects like this with our support, reducing council operating costs, and delivering social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities.”
The LRCI program has been instrumental in backing over 100 renewable energy initiatives nationwide. Other notable projects include a $900,000 rooftop upgrade by Berrigan Shire Council in NSW to prepare for future solar, a $300,000 net-zero vehicle parking facility in the Northern Territory featuring photovoltaic technology, and a $182,000 efficiency-boosting solar project at a swimming pool in the Shire of West Arthur, WA.
Driving Towards Ambitious Climate Goals with Mildura Sports Complex Gets 99kW Solar System in Australia
This latest installation elevates the Mildura council’s total solar generation capacity to 890 kW across its various buildings. The addition of this new photovoltaic system puts the council firmly on track to surpass its target of 1 MW of installed capacity by 2025.
This progress is a key component of the council’s broader Towards Zero Emissions Strategy, which ambitiously aims to have all council facilities fully electrified by 2030. Furthermore, the project includes a unique community benefit-sharing model; under a 10-year agreement, 50% of the financial savings generated by the system will be directed to the local Sunraysia Sustainability Network.
Beyond its own assets, the council is fostering a region-wide transition by assisting local businesses in installing over 2 MW of solar capacity through environmental upgrade agreements (EUAs), a financing mechanism that allows businesses to repay the cost of green upgrades via their council rates.
Sources for Mildura Sports Complex Gets 99kW Solar System in Australia
- Sustainability | CDC Victoria
- [PDF] Mid-scale PV Projections – Clean Energy Regulator
- [PDF] Projects approved for funding (as at 14 May 2024)
- Victorian council solar install paves way to city’s 1 MW target
- [PDF] 27 August 2025 – Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
