Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall is encouraging residents to take practical steps toward a cleaner, cheaper energy future with the launch of the Warringah Sustainability Guide, a new resource designed to help households, apartments and businesses cut energy bills and reduce emissions.
The guide brings together clear, accessible information for owners of houses, apartments and small businesses, including:
- Simple steps to begin planning upgrades and reducing energy bills
- An overview of government incentives and programs to make electrification more affordable
- Practical advice on strengthening your home or business against extreme weather.
Cremorne resident Rob McKay is one Warringah resident who knows first-hand the advantages of harnessing and storing renewable energy at home. His nine-apartment strata block has successfully shifted to shared solar power and battery storage.
McKay, chairman of the building’s strata committee, championed the project among apartment owners. A 26.6-kilowatt rooftop solar and battery system was installed on the building in December 2024. The battery has since been upgraded to increase storage capacity.
The building installed SolShare hardware by Allume Energy, which allows a single rooftop solar system to be shared among all properties.
McKay said all apartment owners - both owner-occupiers and investors – backed the move to renewables. “The investors supported the decision because they knew it would increase the value of the property, and like everyone else, our renters are happy because their energy costs are much lower,” he said.
“There’s lots of feel-good to this. It reduces your power bill significantly; it reduces the demand on the grid, and we’re lowering greenhouse gases, so mitigating climate change. It’s also been good for building community in our block.”
Steggall said stories such as Mr McKay’s demonstrate that apartment buildings can play a major role in Australia’s clean energy transition.
“Many people assume solar is only for freestanding houses, but technology such as shared solar makes it possible for apartment residents to benefit as well,” Steggall said.
“The Warringah Sustainability Guide is about empowering people with practical information and real examples from our community. Cutting emissions can lead to lower power bills, stronger communities and more valuable properties – and ensure we all do our bit to tackle dangerous climate change.”
The guide can be collected from Zali's electorate office on the Corso, or her hub at 3/173 Military Road, Neutral Bay. The hub is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-1pm.
Alternatively, it is available for download at: www.zalisteggall.com.au/sustainabilty_guide
