City of Frankston South Ward Cr Claire Harvey joined Peninsula Leisure CEO Kath Thom to flick the switch to solar at Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre Frankston.

“The 523-kilowatt (kW) system will save an estimated 614 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually and is expected to pay for itself within 8 years,” Cr Harvey said.

“With almost 1 million visitors each year, PARC is a big user of energy, so this system is key in helping the reduction of Frankston’s emissions. We are excited to see the positive impacts solar has on our energy usage and environment,” Ms Thom said.

“The PARC rooftop solar project complements the installation of another new rooftop solar system almost completed at Frankston Civic Centre,” Cr Harvey said.

“The solar projects are key actions in Council’s Towards Zero Emissions Plan and will help to reduce Council’s emissions and contribution to climate change,” she said.

A new Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan is currently being developed and community engagement on the draft is open until January 8.

Frankston Council declared a climate emergency in November 2019 and says it is committed to delivering projects and planning for a future with reduced emissions and a thriving environment.