WSAC Power Efficiency Implementation Project

Project overview

The Rural City of Wangaratta will deliver a major energy efficiency upgrade at the Wangaratta Sports & Aquatic Centre (WSAC), reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing operational costs. The $1.3 million project is jointly funded by Council and the Australian Government through the Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

The upgrade will modernise the centre’s heating systems and improve the building’s overall efficiency, helping to lower energy costs and emissions. Works include new high efficiency heat pumps, improved air‑sealing in the main pool hall and upgrades that will reduce reliance on gas.

What works are planned?

The project includes two key components:

Thermal plant electrification:

• Installation of a series of high efficiency air source heat pumps (ASHPs) to serve the majority of the facilities heating requirements while maintaining the current gas boiler arrangement. The hybrid thermal plant system will significantly reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emmissions.

Air‑tightness improvements:

• Sealing air leaks in the main pool hall including installing doors to the changerooms to reduce heat loss and lower the buildings overall heating demand.

Why this project is happening?

This project supports the Australian Government and Council's objectives to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Improve energy performance of public facilities
• Support the transition to renewable electricity
• Reduce long term energy costs for Council.

  ---

About the facility:

The WSAC is a major regional facility, featuring:

• 6 pools (50m outdoor, 25m indoor, warm water, program and toddler pools, splash pad (with beach entry)
• 24‑hour gym
• 5 multi-purpose sports-courts
• 6 squash courts
• 3 group fitness rooms, providing 75 classes per week
• Café and community spaces
• Approximately 430,000 visits each year.

Council’s emissions reduction commitment:

Council is delivering its Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Emissions Reduction Plan, with targets to:

• Reduce emissions by 2% annually
• Achieve carbon neutrality by 2035
• Source 100% renewable electricity for Council operations.

Project benefits:

Once complete, the project is expected to:

• Reduce emissions to over 500 tonnes of CO₂‑e per year
• Cut gas consumption by approximately 8,813 GJ per year
• Improve comfort and thermal performance within the facility
• Support local skills and supply chains in energy transition projects.

Project delivery approach:

• A feasibility study has already been completed
• Works will be delivered in carefully staged phases
• Progressive testing and commissioning will reduce risks
• The approach is designed to minimise disruption to members, user groups along with programs and services.

Keeping the community informed:

Council and the WSAC will provide:

• Direct communication to user groups and regular hirers
• Updates via the WSAC’s member newsletter
• Updates to this Website page & FAQs

Project timeline:

February 2026

• Tender for Design Consultant advertised

March 2026

• Design tender awarded, commence detailed design

July 2026

• Construction tender advertised

November 2026 – 2027

• Construction phase
• Works delivered in staged phases to minimise disruption

Timing may be adjusted as the project progresses. Updates will be provided to the WSAC members, user groups and the wider community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Location

41 Schilling Drive, Wangaratta 3677  View Map

-36.3431311,146.3145856

41 Schilling Drive , Wangaratta 3677

41 Schilling Drive , Wangaratta 3677

WSAC Power Efficiency Implementation Project