Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Wonthaggi Children's Centre slashes electricity bill after installation of solar power system with funding from Sustainability Victoria and Bass Coast CouncilInstallation of a 15.98 kW solar power system in Bass Coast Children's Centre in Wonthaggi in November 2022 gave a 54% decrease on their electricity bill. By news@gippsland - 21st June 2023 - Back to News Electricity bills and greenhouse gas emissions have been slashed at the Bass Coast Children's Centre in Wonthaggi after the installation of a 15.98 kW solar power system, supported by grant funding from the Victorian government (through Sustainability Victoria) and Bass Coast Shire Council. Installed in November 2022, the day care centre's latest electricity bill shows a 54% decrease in usage compared to the same time last year. This represents a dollar saving of almost $850 over the last quarter. 
President, Bass Coast Children's Centre Management Committee, Minnie Hopkins (first left); Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale MP (second left); Acting Director Industry & Infrastructure, Sustainability Victoria, Luke Wilkinson (third left); Bass Coast Shire Councillor, Leticia Laing (fifth right); Manager Sustainable Environment, Bass Coast Shire Council, Simon Woodland (fourth right); Acting Coordinator, Climate & Sustainability, Bass Coast Shire Council, Christian Slattery (first right); plus parents and pupils of Bass Coast Children's Centre Climate action projectsThe solar power system was co-funded by a $6,475 grant from Sustainability Victoria under the Community Climate Change and Energy Action program, plus a co-contribution of $3,250 from Bass Coast Shire Council. Bass Coast Children's Centre contributed $4,200, which is expected to be paid-back within 18 months, after electricity bill savings are accounted for. For other local organisations who want to install solar power, council has a recently launched fund which may be able to support. Up to $40,000 per year is now available through Bass Coast Shire Council's Community Grants Program to support local climate action projects. Achieving sustainabilityBass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said, "This project is a fantastic demonstration of how rooftop solar can slash electricity bills across Bass Coast. This means more money in the pockets of community organisations and residents, that can be reinvested into our community. Bass Coast Shire Council is committed to supporting community organisations to reduce emissions and their energy bills, through rooftop solar and energy efficiency initiatives. There are now over 400 kW of solar panels installed on council-owned buildings." Bass Coast Children's Centre Committee of Management President, Minnie Hopkins said, "This solar system not only helps to achieve sustainability goals, but it has also decreased our running costs at a time of spiralling expenses in other areas." "The financial savings from our rooftop solar system will be put to good use educating and supporting our littlest local children. Over the life of the system, this means thousands of dollars extra invested in our community," he said. For more information visit Bass Coast Shire Community Grants page. Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised. - East Gippsland Shire adopts fairer Raymond Island Ferry pass system, replacing portable passes with vehicle stickers from 2026/27
East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Raymond Island Ferry portable passes with vehicle stickers by 2026/27, introducing fairer allocations for residents and tenants, with interim free pass improvements effective immediately. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27. - Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
|
|