Sydney Councils Push Back Against Community Batteries In Parks

AI artist’s impression

Last November, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s 2022 “pledging spree”, put $200 million into around 400 community batteries.

But Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs) are learning they have to win over the communities who will be home to the container-sized batteries.

When Ausgrid’s Cameron Park community battery went live last year, you’d be forgiven for expecting the program to roll out across Sydney without a hitch.

However, Ausgrid has run into a degree of opposition from Sydney councils, centred mainly on the choice of location. Since the argument is in electorates targeted by “teals” in last year’s elections, The Daily Telegraph is giving residents’ “angry response” a play (it’s paywalled, of course).

Two councils recently went public on ABC Sydney to explain that the size of the batteries means Ausgrid is looking for open space for their installation.

That often means nearby parks or playgrounds, and that’s where councils – and individuals – get upset.

Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos told the ABC the proposed location in her LGA, Thomas Hogan Reserve, wasn’t suitable and she wanted better engagement from Ausgrid.

“We don’t believe where the batteries will be located, number one, will have a community benefit”,

…she told ABC Sydney Wednesday morning.

Masselos conceded that it can be challenging to find a suitable spot in the Waverley LGA.

“Down near the beach is a very hostile environment,”

…particularly relating to rust, she said.

Still, her comments fell short of an “angry response”:

“We’re working with Ausgrid to find a site … Ausgrid does have its own assets, or there’s a road reserve we might have a look at.”

North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said Ausgrid offered a “very positive presentation by Ausgrid to council’s environment reference group”, adding that “they’ve committed to upfront community engagement”.

The issue of locating near parks is of as much concern in North Sydney as elsewhere, and Baker said Ausgrid is seeking alternatives in her LGA.

While the utility tries not to locate batteries near high-speed traffic, Baker said, “they have not ruled out a Warringah Freeway road reserve”, and a substation location is being explored for a battery in Cammeray.

“Ausgrid seem genuinely committed to communicating with both the community and the council”, Baker said.

This agenda item from the council’s May 8 meeting (PDF) provides a more complete outline of the council’s location requirements. As well as asking Ausgrid to avoid “land zoned RE1 Public Recreation”, the council wants Ausgrid to favour private land if possible, to avoid removing or disrupting trees in the LGA, and to avoid heritage impacts.