What does a global call for clean energy look like at the local level? Let’s take a closer look.
This year marks a milestone – 55 years since the very first Earth Day in 1970. On April 22nd, more than a billion people across 192 countries are expected to take part, all with one shared focus: a healthier, fairer future for our planet.
The 2025 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is a global call to triple renewable energy generation by 2030 and make the switch to cleaner, more affordable electricity.
Earth Day has always been driven by people power. While major change is needed at every level, this year’s theme reminds us that the transition to clean energy starts with the choices we all make – governments, organisations, businesses, schools, and households alike.
How Council Is Supporting Clean Energy
Here in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, Council is taking steps to reduce its reliance on grid electricity and support the shift to cleaner energy. With support from a $315,850 Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF) grant, we’ll be progressing solar, battery storage, and energy-saving upgrades at three of our highest electricity-using facilities.
These sites provide essential water and wastewater services to our community and include:
| Facility | What’s Being Upgraded | Expected Yearly Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Dunbogan Wastewater Treatment Plant | – 70kW ground-mounted solar panels – 60kWh battery storage – HVAC energy monitoring | – 97,040 kWh – 30.1 tonnes CO₂ emissions – $20,600 |
| Wauchope Water Treatment Plant | – 60kW roof-mounted solar panels – 60kWh battery – Demand response monitoring – HVAC upgrades for education room | – 83,600 kWh – 25.9 tonnes CO₂ emissions – $29,100 |
| Port Macquarie Recycled Water Plant | – 50kW roof-mounted solar panels – 60kWh battery – Demand response monitoring – Motion-sensing LED lighting | – 77,500 kWh – 25.3 tonnes CO₂ emissions – $27,900 |
HVAC = Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
These upgrades will help reduce energy costs and emissions, and support our broader organisational aim to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2027.
Once completed these upgrades will be featured in our community facility tours to allow our residents to learn more about clean energy in action and how similar systems could benefit homes and businesses.
How You Can Take Action this Earth Day
While large-scale solutions are essential, there are everyday ways we can all reduce our impact and be part of the shift.
Small steps at home can and do make a difference. You can:
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Switch to LED light bulbs
- Use fans instead of air conditioning when possible
Want to learn more about how much power your home appliances actually use? Borrow a free Power Save energy kit from our local libraries. The kit includes an energy meter and simple instructions to help you measure your use and identify ways to save energy and reduce your electricity bill.
Each year, Earth Day encourages people to take action by making a pledge, whether it’s cutting energy use, reducing waste, switching the car for a bike ride, or joining a local clean-up. Share your pledge on social media using #EarthActionDay to help inspire others. For more ideas, visit the Earth Day website.
Film Screenings
Join us at our Earth Day film screenings of Rachel’s Farm at Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton libraries.
Remember: Every Action Counts
Earth Day is a reminder that meaningful change often starts with the collective efforts of everyday actions at home, in our communities, and in the decisions we make each day.
Whether it’s exploring ways to save energy, learning more about renewable options, or encouraging others to take action, we all have a role to play.
This Earth Day, and every day, let’s keep moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our region, and for the planet we all share.
