Port Macquarie-Hastings council set to move facilities to solar after successful funding announcement

The new funding will help Port Macquarie-Hastings Council become 100 per cent renewable by 2027.

Ellie Chamberlain
March 04, 2025

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has received $315,850 in funding to install solar and battery energy storage at some of the area’s most power-hungry essential service sites.

They include Dunbogan Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wauchope Water Treatment Plant and the Port Macquarie Recycled Water Treatment Plant.

A council spokesperson said the investment in upgrading renewable energy storage “will significantly reduce grid electricity consumption, ongoing costs and emissions to support council’s aim to be 100 percent powered by renewable energy sources by 2027”.

Flood watch for the Mid North Coast as Tropical Cyclone Alfred forecast to move south

Possible moderate to major flooding for the Macleay and Hastings Rivers, with Mid North Coast residents being advised to stay informed about weather predictions in the coming days.

They said the upgrades “demonstrate alignment with the National Energy Performance Strategy and National Emissions Reduction Targets, which may assist in gaining more funding in future”.

The federal money comes from the Community Energy Upgrade Fund (CEUF), which has $100 million to dole out over the next three years to local governments.

The fund is aimed at reducing energy bills and emissions, and helping Australia reach its twin goals of having 82 percent of electricity generated by renewables by 2030, and reaching net zero by 2050.

Free weekday events for kids on the Mid North Coast

For new borns to five years here's a list of free events on the Mid North Coast to keep the young ones entertained while developing their skills.

Applicants must contribute at least 50 percent of a project’s costs, and projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.

Image: Wauchope Waste Water Treatment Plant, supplied by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.