Trish Cook (Bullwinkel, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

For generations, families in the Perth Hills have spent their summers at the iconic Bilgoman Aquatic Centre in Darlington. It's more than just a pool; it's the beating heart of our community during the hot summer months in the Perth Hills. But we know that heating a 50 metre Olympic pool takes a lot of energy, and for too long that energy has come from expensive and polluting gas. That's why I'm thrilled to inform the House that the Albanese Labor government is delivering $158,000 through the Community Energy Upgrades Fund to upgrade the Bilgoman pool's heating system.

We are partnering with the Shire of Mundaring to swap out the old gas infrastructure for modern, efficient technology that prioritises solar power. By electrifying this local asset, we aren't just cutting carbon emissions but cutting costs. The lower energy bills for the council means more savings. As a former Mundaring shire councillor and deputy president, I advocated for longer swimming seasons. So perhaps the new council can consider and contemplate extending the seasons with the savings. This is a win for our environment, a win for the Shire of Mundaring and a win for every family in Bullwinkel who loves a dip at the Bilgoman swimming pool.