Solar Upgrades Power Community Facilities in Nundah

Three community organisations in Nundah are receiving solar installations through the energy efficiency program, designed to reduce electricity costs and support renewable energy use across local facilities.



Solar Investment Strengthens Nundah’s Community Network

Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness at Oxenham Park, Virginia United Football Club at Albert Bishop Park, and Northern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club on Franklin Street are among the local recipients of solar installations under stage two of BCC’s Community Facility Solar and Energy Efficiency Program.

Together with 23 other Brisbane sites, the projects share nearly $937,000 in funding this financial year and will deliver 505 kilowatts of additional solar capacity.

Nundah solar upgrade
Photo Credit: Pexels

Background on the Solar Program

The initiative contributes to BCC’s target of cutting carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2031–32 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The program provides solar panels, lighting upgrades, and heat-pump systems across council-leased community facilities to lower energy costs and improve efficiency.

Since the program began, BCC has installed over 7 megawatts of solar power across its facilities, including Kangaroo Point Bridge and the Brisbane International Cycle Park. Once stage two is completed, total solar capacity will reach 7.5 megawatts — enough energy to power more than 2,000 Brisbane homes.

Collaboration for Sustainable Outcomes

Stage two is jointly funded by BCC and the Commonwealth Government through the Community Energy Upgrade Fund. The installations are being coordinated with the Brisbane Sustainability Agency to ensure efficient delivery and lasting environmental benefits.

Brisbane community facilities
Photo Credit: Pexels

Contribution of Nundah Sites

Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness will receive a 37.6-kilowatt system, while Virginia United Football Club and Northern Suburbs RLFC will each install 39.06-kilowatt systems. The upgrades will reduce operational costs for these organisations and help advance Brisbane’s renewable energy objectives.

Ongoing Impact on Brisbane’s Sustainability

Across the city, solar systems now reduce carbon emissions by more than 7,900 tonnes each year — the equivalent of taking 2,600 cars off the road — and generate about 10,700 megawatt hours of electricity, powering around 1,900 homes annually. The long-term outcome is a cleaner, more cost-efficient network of community facilities.

Looking Ahead



With the addition of the Nundah installations, Brisbane continues its progress toward sustainable energy goals. The solar upgrades deliver practical savings for local organisations while contributing to a greener city future.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Nundah Residents Divided Over Community Battery Rejection

The installation of a community battery in Nundah has been blocked, citing concerns about the loss of green space. The decision, part of a broader dispute over renewable energy infrastructure, has sparked a mixed response from local residents and environmental advocates.



Background and Context

BCC recently rejected a proposal to install a community battery at the site of the old Scouts Hall in Nundah. The decision is part of a broader pushback against the State’s renewable energy initiative aimed at promoting local solar energy storage.

The battery, known as the PowerShaper XL, is approximately the size of a household fridge and is intended to store solar energy for later use. It was one of three proposed installations in Brisbane, along with sites in Newmarket and The Gap. The installations were to be funded through the State’s $200 million community batteries for household solar program, which aims to support sustainable energy use across the country.

The PowerShaper XL
Caption: The PowerShaper XL.
Photo Credit: Pixii

Community and Environmental Impact

Many residents and environmental groups disagreed with BCC’s decision. Some community members, particularly those in Nundah, feel that the loss of a small area of green space is a reasonable trade-off for improved energy storage and sustainability.

Residents like those living near Boyd Park in Nundah argue that the site, previously occupied by the Scouts Hall, has not been significantly transformed into a community space since the building’s removal. While some greenery has been established, they believe the area lacks active use and could accommodate the battery without significant disruption.

Others, however, have supported the BCC’s stance, valuing green space preservation over infrastructure changes. This sentiment reflects a broader debate within the community about balancing urban development with environmental conservation.

Challenges and Alternatives

One of the primary challenges identified by the local officials is the location of the batteries within green spaces. The BCC’s environment chair, Tracy Davis, stated that large infrastructure like community batteries should not be “plonked” into public parks.

However, critics argue that similar infrastructure, such as NBN or traffic signal boxes, already exists in urban environments without causing significant disruption. Community members have also suggested exploring alternative sites, including underutilised or abandoned substation areas, which could serve the same purpose without impacting green spaces.

The State has urged the BCC to reconsider its stance or propose alternative sites in the same suburbs. Other Queensland councils have found compromise solutions, offering different locations when rejecting initial proposals.

Nundah battery plans
Caption: The community batteries are installed in Bondi Beach, Sydney. (For Illustration Purposes Only)
Photo Credit: Pixii Energy Storage/Facebook

Public Reactions and Community Debate

Online discussions have revealed a mix of frustration and support. Some residents question why the BCC prioritises green space in this instance while backing other large projects, such as developing parts of Victoria Park into an Olympic stadium. 

Others feel that the decision reflects inconsistency, pointing out the long-term benefits of community batteries in reducing household energy costs and reliance on non-renewable sources.

Others argued that energy companies should utilise existing infrastructure rather than occupy public spaces. Some comments expressed scepticism about whether the authorities genuinely prioritise environmental concerns or if other motives are at play.

Next Steps

The BCC’s decision to block the community battery in Nundah remains contentious, with both environmental advocates and residents calling for a reassessment. The State continues to push for alternative solutions, stressing the importance of renewable energy infrastructure in urban areas.



Community members are now waiting to see whether the authorities will offer alternative sites or maintain its position, as debate continues over balancing green space preservation with the need for sustainable energy solutions.

Published 1-Apr-2025