The Western Australian Government is investing $500,000 in a sustainability and climate action initiative that aims to help households and small businesses improve their energy efficiency and save money on energy bills.
Switch Your Thinking is a joint sustainability initiative of the City of Armadale, City of Gosnells, and the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.
As part of the new investment, the program will deliver expanded energy efficiency education and resources in local government areas across the state, with 41 local governments having registered interest in the expanded program.
The initiative will include provision of 200 do-it-yourself energy audit toolkits for loan at local libraries across metropolitan Perth and regional Western Australia, enabling residents to perform home energy self-assessments and develop their own home energy action plan.
Switch Your Thinking will also run a series of energy efficiency workshops throughout 2025, focusing on a variety of topics, including reducing energy use and planning for electrification.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Reece Whitby, said that by supporting households and small businesses to understand their energy usage and become more energy efficient, the State Government is helping them to reduce their power bills.
“I’m excited to partner with local governments and acknowledge the close connection that they have to their communities as well as their efforts as leaders in climate action and emissions reduction,” Mr Whitby said.
“This program will inform how we can drive more household cost savings and continue to support the Western Australian community on the path to net zero emissions by 2050.”
City of Armadale Mayor, Ruth Butterfield, said that Switch Your Thinking continues to deliver positive outcomes by educating and empowering households to take control of their energy consumption and costs.
“The Switch Your Thinking partnership remains a key element in our efforts to support our residents and the wider Perth region to be more climate resilient.”
City of Gosnells Mayor, Terresa Lynes, said, “The City of Gosnells has supported Switch Your Thinking over many years, so we are thrilled to see the State Government invest in this latest energy saving initiative, to be delivered by Switch.
“With the rising costs of living having an impact on many households and businesses, the city supports this opportunity to help the community.”
Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale President, Rob Coales, said, “This initiative is a significant step forward in our journey towards a more sustainable, liveable future.
“By providing practical tools and resources, Switch Your Thinking enables our residents and businesses to actively participate in energy conservation,” Mr Coales said.
“This aligns perfectly with our vision of a liveable, protected, and safe natural and built rural environment, with access to services and facilities.
“We are committed to fostering a culture of sustainability in our community, and this program is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference.”
Image credit: Miha Creative/Shutterstock.com.
