AusLeisure

The Australian Government has announced a $2.5 million grant to support a major heating system upgrade at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC).

Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King made the announcement on 21^st Feb alongside City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves.

This transformative $7.7 million project will see HydroHeat, a100% Australian owned and family operated company, instal an eco-friendly heat pump system, dramatically reducing gas consumption, emissions, and operational costs at one of the region's largest community facilities.

The new system will use high efficiency air-source and water-source heat pumps to provide heating across BALC's five indoor pools and three pool halls.

Additionally, the project will lay the foundation for future energy-efficient upgrades, including centralised cooling and dehumidification systems, which would further improve the comfort of visitors, as well as reducing operating costs even further.

The City of Ballarat, which owns and operates BALC, is contributing $5.2 million towards the project, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and smart energy solutions.

The upgrade will replace the centre's ageing gas boilers with state-of-the-art heat pump technology, significantly cutting gas use by 96%, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,743 tonnes annually.

Utility fees are a significant component of the annual running costs. The project is expected to generate operational savings of $480,000 per year, achieving a return on investment within about 10 years and net savings of $2.1 million by year 15.

Mayor Hargreaves said the project represents a major milestone in the city's transition to clean energy noting "this investment will deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits for our community.

"The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre is one of the largest users of energy in our region, and this upgrade will not only future-proof the facility, but also contribute to Ballarat's target of reaching zero emissions in the coming years.

"I want to thank the Australian Government for the financial support of this important project."

This funding is not dependent on the result of the upcoming Federal election.

BALC, which welcomes more than 650,000 visitors annually, has been an important local facility to the Ballarat community since 1994. The planned heat pump system will have a life expectancy approximately four times longer than gas boilers and ensures the centre remains at the forefront of sustainable aquatic and fitness services for decades to come.

"This project is a game-changer for BALC and will serve as a leading example for other aquatic centres across Australia looking to transition away from gas," Mayor Hargraves added.

Image top. HydroHeat upgrade at BALC; Image below. Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King and City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre. Credit: City of Ballarat

More information HydroHeat 

Related Articles

24th January 2025 - Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre holds Open Water Safety Initiative

15th January 2025 - Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre introduces inland Water Safety Program

11th December 2024 - Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre to mark 30 years of operations

18th July 2024 - Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre to undergo major accessibility upgrade

12th July 2024 - Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre among Victorian Regional Sporting Facilities to receive financial boost

20th June 2024 - Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre becomes first regional venue to host Swimming Victoria event

3rd October 2023 - Move to transition Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre to renewable energy

31st December 2021 - Staff shortages lead to pool closures at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre

24th November 2016 - Bystanders and a defibrillator save a life at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.