Published 11 September 2026
Bunbury is set to get five new community batteries, part of a Western Power rollout backed by federal funding through ARENA.
Four of the batteries will be installed at the South West Sports Centre in Withers, with a fifth on Mosedale Avenue in Usher. All five are due to be up and running by the end of 2026.
The batteries work by storing surplus solar power generated during the day and feeding it back into the network in the evening, when demand is highest. Because it's a shared community asset, the benefits extend beyond solar households to the wider network, helping ease pressure at peak times and reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades down the track.
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Locations were selected by Western Power in consultation with the City, prioritising areas with strong rooftop solar uptake and growing demand on local infrastructure.
Traffic impacts
Residents near the South West Sports Centre may have already noticed some traffic disruption as early works get underway, with further temporary impacts, including noise and traffic management, likely as installation continues. The City will share updates from Western Power as the project progresses.
Safety and noise
Each battery goes through a rigorous safety process and meets strict Australian standards. Safety features can include fire detection and suppression, remote monitoring, secure locked enclosures, and regular inspections and maintenance. Where batteries are installed near bushland, Western Power also follows DFES guidelines.
Today's battery enclosures are fully contained, helping to manage noise. Western Power also considers orientation within parklands and works with suppliers and acoustic engineers to ensure noise standards are met day and night.
For more information, visit Western Power's website.