The Rural City of Murray Bridge is seeking community feedback on a proposed ground lease of community land for the installation of a community battery that will support lower energy costs for nominated households.
Under the proposal, a small portion of Community Land at Homburg Reserve, would be leased for 15 years to the South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining to host a community battery.
The proposed battery is part of the Government of South Australia’s emPowering SA program and is one of 18 being delivered across the state to support lower energy bills for households who otherwise cannot access renewable energy, and for whom lower energy bills mean the most.
The program will ease cost of living pressure by delivering access to cheaper electricity rates for households nominated by the South Australian government. By hosting a battery in the council area, eligible SA Housing Trust tenants in the Rural City of Murray Bridge will be among the first to be offered the opportunity to benefit.
Under the proposed lease conditions, Council will provide a low cost i.e. peppercorn lease and will waive any land rates payable.
As part of the consultation process, Council is contacting key users of the Homburg Reserve facility to ensure they are aware of the proposal.
You can find answers to common questions about how the battery works, who benefits, what it will look like, and information about safety, noise and maintenance in the FAQs in the document library on this page.
More information about the emPowering SA program as a whole is also available through the Government of South Australia at www.empowering.sa.gov.au.
Council welcomes feedback from the community with consultation closing 16 January 2026.
