Published on Friday, 21 November 2025 at 8:04:00 AM

Shire of Mundaring has welcomed a major investment from the Australian Government to upgrade the ageing pool heating system at Bilgoman Aquatic Centre in Darlington.

The Shire will receive a fifty per cent contribution through the Community Energy Upgrades Fund. This support will help replace the current gas-powered system with a modern electric heating system that uses solar and heat pump technology.

The upgrade will reduce gas use by up to seventy per cent. It will also cut emissions by an estimated forty to sixty tonnes each year. These improvements support the Shire’s goal of a seventy per cent emissions reduction by 2030.

Shire President Paige McNeil said the project is an important step for the popular community facility.

“The Bilgoman Aquatic Centre plays an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community. We greatly value our partnership with the Australian Government and welcome the grant from the Community Energy Upgrades Fund, which recognises our commitment to sustainable improvements. The installation of a new electric heat pump will significantly reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and ensure our community continue to enjoy our iconic Bilgoman pool.”

The upgrade will strengthen the long-term sustainability of the centre, lower operating costs and support reliable pool temperatures during the busy summer season. The project also aligns with the Shire’s Emissions Reduction Strategy 2024 and its focus on practical, community-centred climate action.

Work on the staged upgrade will begin once final design and procurement processes are complete. The Shire will share updates with the community as the project progresses.

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