Solar upgrade to power Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club into the future

Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club is set to save thousands of dollars each year on its electricity bills while reducing its carbon footprint, thanks to a $19,000 Stronger Communities Grant from the Albanese Government.

Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker MP, visited the club to announce the funding, which has supported the purchase and installation of 62 solar panels and an inverter.

The new solar system is expected to generate around 38,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, while the club has also renegotiated its supplier arrangements as part of the project.

Together, these changes are expected to save the club around $18,000 a year, with savings to be put straight back into frontline lifesaving operations, including the purchase of rescue tubes, inflatable rescue boats, boards and other essential equipment.

The project is also expected to reduce the club’s emissions by around 46 tonnes of CO2 each year.

The Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club plays a vital role in keeping swimmers and beachgoers safe, with volunteers providing lifesaving patrols, education and emergency response services to the local community.

The Stronger Communities Programme supports local community organisations to deliver projects that strengthen community participation, support local facilities and improve outcomes for communities.

Comments attributable to Libby Coker MP:

“Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club does an incredible job keeping our community safe, and this project is a great example of investing in the club’s future.

“The $19,000 Stronger Communities Grant is helping the club reduce its energy costs while also delivering a significant environmental benefit.

“Most importantly, the savings will go straight back into frontline lifesaving — helping volunteers have the equipment they need to keep people safe on our beaches.

“The solar project is expected to deliver significant emissions savings over its lifetime, equivalent to more than 1.3 million kilometres driven in a car, 8,756 trees planted or 975 long-haul flights.”