The community group recently installed solar panels on the roof of the renovated clubrooms at the formerly abandoned building at Royal Park and is already reaping the rewards.

Local businesses all chipped in to help pay for the panels, which are estimated to be worth more than $3000.

Friends of Royal Park vice-president Paul Ryle said the hall, which catered for a range of community events, was able to be fully powered by the panels.

“It’s about taking the building into a new era,” he said.

“So far we’ve generated more energy than we’ve used so it’s working really well.”

Friends of Royal Park has been in existence for about four years but only recently moved to the clubrooms at Royal Park.

There are also plans for a community garden, a tree planting scheme and walking tracks around the park.