The Federal Government has pledged its support for a new solar project in the Campaspe Shire of Victoria. Approximately 20 community buildings will soon have solar panels and storage batteries installed, thanks to funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program. The Campaspe Shire Council will be overseeing the project, which is expected to reduce electricity costs for local residents while providing a “vital boost” for the area following some tough times.
Mayor Chrissy Weller said the council was thrilled to receive confirmation of its latest LRCI funding and has allocated $450,000 towards the solar program.
“Development of the solar program, to reduce electricity costs through the installation of solar and batteries on community buildings, can now progress,” Cr Weller said.
“Around 20 buildings across the municipality are under assessment. Once this assessment has been completed, we will inform the community which buildings will be involved in the program.”
LRCI Program to deliver benefits for years to come
The Government’s $2.5 billion LRCI Program, launched in May 2020, supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several councils, including the Campaspe Council, have been awarded in excess of $10 million in funding across the program’s three phases. Funded projects include facility, amenity and road upgrades, new lighting and new local attractions.
The Campaspe Council is not the only council to allocate a portion of its LRCI funding towards solar projects. Earlier this year the Mildura City Council announced it had allocated $490,000 of its phase three funding towards a solar installation at Mildura Sporting Precinct.
Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the funding is intended to boost the local economy while also delivering long-term benefits to the community.
“With the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires, floods and other events, the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils,” Mr Drum said.
“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve funding for LRCI projects, with each of these providing a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.”
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