Our journey
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is committed to sustainability and ensuring we reduce our demand for natural resources wherever possible. To date, the City has installed a variety of renewable energy systems, abating thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the process. These systems include solar PV installations on council buildings to harness some of that famous outback sunshine, LED streetlights as well as solar thermal and ground source heat pumps at our Oasis recreation facility which have significantly reduced electricity and gas consumption.
The City also owns and operates a wastewater treatment facility in South Boulder which collects all of the residential wastewater generated in Kalgoorlie and Boulder through the sewers and treats it to create a reusable product. Each year the plant receives approximately 2.5 gigalitres of wastewater, which equates to nearly 3 Olympic-sized swimming pools a day. Once the water is treated it is used to keep Kalgoorlie and Boulder’s parks and reserves lush and green.
Further, the City also plays a lead role in the project management of renewable energy installations across the Goldfields-Esperance region made possible by a partnership with the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils funded through the Country Local Government Fund. The City hopes to continue to champion sustainability projects in the region beyond the completion of current projects this year.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
The City is continuing to develop our approach to sustainability and further reduce our demand for natural resources. Opportunities for energy efficiency improvements in our buildings, additional renewable energy systems and greater community engagement on sustainability matters have all been identified and are currently being investigated. The City continues to aspire to be recognised as a leader in the sustainability field and to provide support and resources for the community as they work towards achieving their own environmental sustainability goals.