Community invited to have their say on proposed Ravendale Community Battery
The City of Port Lincoln is inviting community feedback on a proposed Lease Agreement with the Minister for Energy and Mining regarding a portion of land at the Ravendale Sporting Precinct, with the purpose of installing a community battery. Residents can share their feedback from Thursday, 25 June 2026, with submissions closing at 10am on Friday, 17 July 2026.
The proposed 700-kilowatt, 1,828 kilowatt-hour battery forms part of the South Australian Government’s emPowering SA program, which aims to deliver more affordable electricity to households facing cost of living pressures.
The proposed battery would store excess energy from the grid when renewable energy is abundant and release it at night, during periods of high demand, or when the grid needs support. By operating in this way, it will help to support the electricity network while reducing electricity costs for participants.
To support the installation, Council is proposing to lease a portion of land at the Ravendale Sporting Complex to the Minister for Energy and Mining under a proposed 15-year peppercorn lease arrangement.
Mayor Diana Mislov, said “The proposed community battery would provide real benefits to local households, particularly those facing ongoing cost of living pressures.”
“This project is about helping our community access the benefits of renewable energy, especially for households who may not be able to install solar or battery systems themselves.”
“It’s an opportunity to reduce electricity costs for those who need it most, strengthen our local energy network, and deliver long-term benefits for the community without any capital cost to Council.”
If the battery is installed, eligible households in the local community – particularly those unable to install their own solar or battery systems - will benefit from lower-cost electricity. Residents facing cost of living pressures in Port Lincoln will be among the first to be offered the opportunity to participate once the battery is installed and operational, with priority access for eligible SA Housing Trust tenants.
The emPowering SA program is funded by the Government of South Australia in partnership with AGL and the Australian Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The battery will be owned by the South Australian Government and operated by AGL as part of a virtual power plant.
An information sheet, artist impression of the proposed community battery and draft lease agreement can be viewed on Council’s online Engagement Hub. Hard copies will also be available at the Council Office and Port Lincoln Library.
Community members are encouraged to provide feedback by making a written submission through Council’s online Engagement Hub at yoursay.portlincoln.sa.gov.au, by emailing yoursay@plcc.sa.gov.au, in person at the Council Office, or by post to the City of Port Lincoln, PO Box 1787, Port Lincoln SA 5606.
For more information and to have your say, visit yoursay.portlincoln.sa.gov.au, or to learn more about the emPowering SA program, visit empowering.sa.gov.au.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
City of Port Lincoln Chief Executive Officer Eric Brown
Ph: 8621 2325 | Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au
