Media Release: Blacktown City Council joins forces with Cricket for Climate and Origin Energy to PowerUp Play with clean energy
Cricket for Climate, Origin Energy and Blacktown City Council
For immediate release
Wednesday 12 November
Blacktown City Council, Cricket for Climate and Origin Energy have partnered to create Australia’s first connected energy ecosystem across multiple sports facilities, including Blacktown International Sports Park, a major venue for cricket, AFL and other sports. Power Up Play is being co-funded by the Australian Government’s Community Energy Upgrade Fund.
Power Up Play is a groundbreaking partnership in Australia’s fastest growing local government area which implements behind-the-meter solar, battery, and LED technology, supported by front-of-meter community batteries. This initiative sets a national standard for sustainable sporting precincts, delivering energy and emissions savings, improved flexibility, site resilience as well as potential revenue. It will also lower energy costs for the community and clubs, support education, and create job and apprenticeship opportunities.
“We’ve been working with clubs through Cricket for Climate to cut power bills and reduce emissions. Power Up Play is the next step. Origin and Blacktown City Council are helping us connect venues together, so the benefits reach the whole community, not just individual clubs. It’s practical, it works, and it sets a blueprint for other communities to follow,” Cricket for Climate Founder and Australian international test cricket captain, Pat Cummins, said.
Cricket for Climate CEO Joanne Bowen said that cricket and other sports at all levels are increasingly affected by increased energy costs and climate change, with extreme weather days leading to cancellations, postponements or the need to adapt games to cooler parts of the day to support player and fan health and wellbeing. Sporting venues are part of the solutions as they provide critical infrastructure for clean energy solutions that support community benefit and savings too. It's a win-win for clubs and the community.
“Power Up Play is an exciting partnership with Blacktown City Council and Origin, a bold play towards cleaner, community-powered sport. By connecting cricket clubs and major venues through shared clean energy and community batteries, we’re not just powering games, we’re powering the Blacktown community. Blacktown is growing fast and facing real climate challenges, so working alongside partners who care deeply about making a difference here is meaningful and inspiring,” Bowen said.
Sports clubs around the country are struggling to make ends meet because of increased annual running costs and harnessing renewable energy can help fortify them against rising overheads and other climate solutions such as drainage upgrades and weather stations can make the clubs more resilient and safer.
“As part of our ambition to lead the energy transition, Origin is proud to be partnering with Blacktown City Council and Cricket for Climate on Power Up Play. The solar, batteries and smart energy management we will be installing and providing for local facilities will help reduce emissions, lower energy costs and open up new revenue streams, which will benefit local clubs and the local community,” said Origin Zero’s Segment Lead, Services & Infrastructure, Katie Wood.
Community sport is the heartbeat of Australia and clubs are ensuring their futures by investing in solutions that lead in the shift to renewable energy and inspire wider community action.
Brad Bunting, Mayor of Blacktown City said, “With 450,000 residents, the largest council in NSW, we are very serious about climate and energy solutions. Blacktown City was first certified carbon-neutral for our operations in 2020/21 and we continue to work towards a community-wide net-zero emissions target with practical action. With projects like Power Up Play we are preparing our city for the future by cutting costs, reducing emissions, building resilience and delivering community benefits. I couldn’t be prouder of what this means for our city and for local sport.”
Blacktown is the home of Sydney Big Bash team Sydney Thunder which will be one of the clubs to benefit from the upgrades.
“Blacktown is in the heart of our Thunder Nation, and we see firsthand how important local cricket is here. Power Up Play means cleaner, cheaper energy for local venues and clubs - benefits that last long after match days. When communities invest in this kind of infrastructure, it strengthens cricket at every level,” said Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact: Gabrielle Platt, 0493 442 307 or [email protected]
About Cricket for Climate:
Cricket for Climate is a player-led movement founded by Australian Test Captain Pat Cummins. We believe that creating practical change through cricket — and our communities — starts with each of us. We lead energy and climate solutions by collaborating with communities, fans, government, business and other sports to create a better future for all.
About Origin Energy
Through its Origin Zero business unit which supports enterprise customers through the energy transition, Origin will be Council's technology and energy services partner, bringing technical expertise in energy optimisation, renewable energy installation and integration, and emissions reduction. As Council’s licensed electricity supplier for small sites until 31 December 2029, Origin is well placed to support the project and contribute potential private capital to enhance delivery outcomes.
About Blacktown City Council
Blacktown City Council serves one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities. With a current population of around 450,000 people, forecast to exceed 600,000 within 20 years, the City is home to one in every 63 Australians.
The largest local government area by population in New South Wales, Blacktown City Council has achieved net-zero operational emissions twice and continues to lead by example in sustainability and energy innovation.
Blacktown City Council has also committed to supporting the broader community to reach net zero emissions by 2040, working in partnership with government, business, and residents to build a cleaner, more resilient future.
Drawing on its size, diversity and growth trajectory, the Council continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, community resilience, climate adaptation and economic opportunity for all residents.