HORNSBY Shire Council, in its firm commitment towards sustainability and renewable energy, is proud to announce the successful completion of a solar installation project at five of the area’s community centres.

A total of 68.6kW of solar systems have been installed at Arcadia Community Centre, Berowra District Hall, Cherrybrook Community and Cultural Centre, Mt Colah Community Centre and Thornleigh Community Centre, with this move set to save close to $15,000 in electricity bills each year and generate 85MWh of energy.

This solar-power switch was funded through developer contributions, as outlined in Council’s Section 7.11 Development Contributions Plan 2020-2030, which proposed a number of additions to existing community centres.

As part of this project, all community centres in the Shire were inspected by engineers for their suitability for solar panel installations, with five centres favourably assessed.

By integrating these new solar panels combined with Council’s current solar systems, the Council’s solar portfolio now reaches an impressive capacity exceeding 270kW.

Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock AO said this project clearly demonstrates Council’s dedication towards sustainability and taking care of the environment.

“As a Council, we are committed to playing our part in reducing emissions and building a sustainable community, now and into the future,” Mayor Ruddock said.

Meanwhile, Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre is also set to switch to solar, with solar panels set to be installed later this year.

These solar initiatives are part of Council’s Sustainable Hornsby 2040 Strategy, which provides an overarching framework to achieve an innovative and environmentally sustainable Shire with diverse, resilient and thriving communities and ecosystems.