The project is part of the Community Savers stream of the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund to help community organisations save water, power, carbon pollution and money on bills.

The funding will enable the Surf Life Saving Club to cut its energy use by 40 per cent and save more than a tonne of carbon pollution a year.

“With this funding we are really making a difference in our community,” Maree Young of Bellinger Valley North Beach Surf Life Saving Club said.

“Not only are we saving energy, we are saving money on our bills and are able to show to the wider community how they can save energy as well.”

The Bellinger Valley North Beach Surf Life Saving Club project was one of 247 to receive $5.9 million under the NSW Climate Change Fund Public Facilities Program Community Savers stream.

Together they will save 125 million litres of water and 4,560 tonnes, or 91 million black balloons*, of carbon pollution a year.

The program covers the costs of simple, but effective, upgrades such as lighting retrofits, installing rainwater tanks, switching to solar hot water and installing water efficient toilets and fixtures in community clubs, halls, sporting clubs, preschools and aged care facilities.

The NSW Climate Change Fund was established in July 2007. It also includes rebates to help householders save water and power and funding for business, industry, schools and government savings.

For more information about funding and ways to save water and energy around the home and community, visit the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) website at www.environment.nsw.gov.au or call the Environment Line on 1300 361 967.

*1 balloon = 50 grams of carbon pollution