Lane Cove Aquatic Centre moves to ditch gas heating systems

❓️ What happened: With both the Willoughby Leisure Centre and North Sydney Olympic Pool out of operation for upgrades — some more onerous than others — the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre has found itself as one of the North Shore’s largest and most frequented swimming facilities, with annual visitation figures around one million.

⚡️ Energy sapper: While a popular destination, the aquatic centre is also a significant energy drain. In 2024, the centre made up 60 percent of the council’s energy usage, and 99 percent of its gas usage, according to council documents.

📖 The solution: In response to this heavy energy outlay, a plan has been put forward to “electrify” the centre, installing electric heat pumps to replace the existing gas heating system as it reaches the end of its operational life.

💳️ Show me the money: The North Shore Council will seek funding through the Federal Government’s $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund Program, which will match the funding a local government provides toward energy upgrades that lower emissions and reduce costs.

According to AGL Energy, electric heat pumps are much more efficient at heating a room, and use far less energy than gas heaters. While heat pump systems can have high upfront costs, they can also provide massive savings on energy bills.

Outcomes for the federal funding program are expected to be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, the council will be workshopping their “road map to electrification”, considering costs and implementation of the new system.