A reminder that our next meeting is on Monday 18th October at 5pm at the Uniting Church rooms.  
 
The Minutes of the September 13 2021 Meeting, together with Information about the Hume Community Power Hub and  Project EDGE   discussed at this meeting, are attached. 

Later in September John Lloyd presented the Renewable Energy Benalla Report to BSFG's General Meeting, also recommended reading .

The Agenda for 18th September meeting will be available shortly.

New members welcome.

A reminder that our next meeting is on Monday 13th September at 5pm.  With the lifting of the lockdown it seems that we might be able to meet face-to-face.  I have booked the Uniting Church rooms and hope that we can actually meet.
 
The Minutes of the July 13 2021 meeting, together with Information about the Hume Community Power Hub and  Project EDGE are now available, along with the Agenda for 13th September meeting.

New members welcome.

John Lloyd

Project EDGE is a Hume region focused virtual power plant, with partners including a suite of residents and businesses for 10 Councils across the Hume. The program is being led by AEMO, AusNet Services and Mondo, supported with funding from ARENA.
 
EDGE will subsidise batteries for residents and businesses, and with the goal of using these batteries for timed discharges to both meet owner needs, but also test services for the network and market. All with the specific plan to transition our network and the electricity market to clean energy – to be dynamic and two-way.
 
Project EDGE is occurring in three phases:
● Hume 1 – Yack and Beechworth Underway with 49 homes with batteries
● Hume 2 – Strathbogie, Due to commence trials in April 2022 with at least: 20 homes and 14 businesses, and
● Hume 3 – Across the Hume (sadly not including Shepparton/Moira***) To commence in
September 2022 and conclude in March 2023.
 
Mondo is keen to work alongside community energy groups to advance both their aspirations as well broader market and network reformation. Please contact Matthew Charles-Jones if you wish to learn more at matthew.charlesjones@mondo.com.au

As part of the Benalla Sustainable Future Group and Renewable Energy Benalla, the Benalla Community Energy Project has established a revolving fund, sourced from donations, to install solar panels and other energy-saving projects on community facilities in and around Benalla.

Our first project was the installation of solar panels at Munro Avenue Preschool launched in early May 2021.  Our next project will be solar panels on the Bernard Briggs Kindergarten in Benalla.

To make a donation through Paypal or using your credit card, click on the donate button:

To make a donation through your bank:
BSB :  633-00
Account#:  168407500
Reference with your name and email your details to us.  

Thank you for your support.  

John Lloyd, David Blore, Patricia Brookes, Karen Nankervis
Benalla Community Energy Project Working Group

Please contact us if you would like to find out more
Email:  benallacep@gmail.com

Are you, or do you know of, a community group looking to reduce energy use, save money and lower emissions?
 
The Powering Communities Program in Indi provides $67,700 to fund up to 12 small projects that will assist community groups to improve energy efficiency practices, lower energy use, save money and reduce emissions.
 
Not-for-profit, community organisations are invited to submit an expression of interest to my office for projects of between $5000 - $12000 to:

• Upgrade equipment to reduce energy consumption
• Undertake energy management activities and assessments, such as energy systems assessment and feasibility studies
• Invest in energy monitoring and management systems
• Invest in on-site renewable energy and solar-connected batteries.

 
Eligible purchases include solar PV, batteries, air conditioning, hot water heaters, LED lighting, cooktops and refrigerators and energy audits. A full list can be found in the Guidelines here: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/powering-communities-program.
 
Community organisations must meet specific eligibility requirements and provide documentation to support their final application if their EOI is successful. I strongly recommended that you carefully read the grant guidelines before applying.
 
The guidelines require that community groups use Clean Energy Council accredited retailers and installers and choose Clean Energy Council approved products.

A list of accredited installers and products is available here:
Installers - https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/consumers/buying-solar/find-an-installer
Products/Retailers - https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/consumers/buying-solar/find-an-approved-solar-retailer
  
To submit an expression of interest please complete this online form. Expressions of interest must be submitted online by 5.00pm Friday 2 July 2021.  Once received, expressions of interest will be assessed by my grants consultative committee in mid-July 2021. Successful applicants will then be invited to make a full application for funding. 
 
For further information, please call Helen Haines office:

Helen Haines MP
Independent Federal Member for Indi
117 Murphy Street Wangaratta VIC 3677
T 03 5721 7077
79 High Street Wodonga VIC 3690
T 02 6024 6284
E helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au

Renewable Energy Benalla (REB)
Report to Benalla Sustainable Future Group AGM - Thursday 27 May 2021
 
While the activities of Renewable Energy Benalla were impacted by COVID restrictions during 2020 some activities resumed with the easing of restrictions in 2021.
 
Benalla Community Energy Project (BCEP)

REB has been successful in implementing the Benalla Community Energy Project (BCEP) which aims to establish a donation based revolving fund to install solar panels, or undertake energy efficiency upgrades, on community facilities in and around Benalla.

The project provides interest free loans to the selected community facilities, to fund the works required, with no upfront contribution being required from the receiving community organisation. Loan repayments to the fund from the host site are based on the estimated savings made on energy bills. The loan repayments gradually rebuild the balance of the fund, which can then eventually be used to make a loan to another community building. In this way the fund becomes a revolving fund.
 
We were able to undertake our first project without conducting a fund raising program, as we obtained a grant for $5000 from the Winton Solar Farm Community Benefit program. This grant, along with a significant donation from Sandy Campbell and a significant in-kind contribution from SolarGain, enabled us to install panels on Munro Ave kindergarten.

Following installation of the panels we conducted an official 'switch-on' ceremony at Munro Ave kindergarten on May 6th where Dr Helen Haines, the Independent Member for Indi, launched the Community Energy Project.

At the conclusion of this ceremony we announced the next project would be the Bernard Briggs Kindergarten.

A special thank you to members of the BCEP working group: David Blore, Patricia Brooke, Karen Nankervis.

Thanks are also due to the BSFG committee for their support of the BCEP.
 
Website and Social Media
Bev Lee and Peter Maddock continue to manage the operation of the REB website which receives a lot of attention.

Recently they have been joined by Heath Wiley who has initiated an Instagram account and is an excellent photographer. Our thanks to this Web team.
 
Current Investigations
Waste to Energy: Adrian Howden continues to investigate a variety of options for a utility scale waste to energy project for the Benalla region. COVID has restricted the extent of these investigations.
 
Solar Garden:  Kevin Smith has been investigating Solar Gardens with the ultimate aim of establishing one in Benalla. A 'solar garden' is like a small solar farm where households unable to install solar panels (e.g. renters) can buy a 'plot' of panels and receive an annual credit against their energy bills for the energy it produces.
 
North East Community Energy Network (NECEN)
​
This network consists of representatives from all the community energy groups in North East Victoria.

A lot of valuable networking takes place at these meetings with each group reporting on their activities. The network is supported by Indigo Power. Following the success of the trial Community Power Hubs the state government is making funding available to set up six more hubs in Victoria. Indigo Power and Goulburn Valley Community Energy have put in a joint application to establish a Community Power Hub in Hume Region.
 
Transition Strategy

The Benalla Stationary Energy Transition Strategy which was developed with support from Beyond Zero Emissions details appropriate strategies to achieve our goal of 100% renewables by 2028. However this is a complex task and while REB has managed to work on some of the strategies outlined in the Transition Strategy document we urgently need more people to join us to help us achieve our goal.

Many of you will have recently received a letter appealing for people to join REB and help us achieve our vision of Benalla becoming a zero net energy town by 2028. This remains an urgent need.
​
John Lloyd
Convenor

Dear Friends of Renewable Energy Benalla
 
The last twelve months has presented many challenges, however one positive thing that did occur was that ordinary people did some amazing things to help others who were struggling. It seemed that a sense of community became important once again. I write about this as Renewable Energy Benalla is very much in need of this community spirit.
 
I believe that most of you will know that Renewable Energy Benalla, (REB), has a vision of Benalla becoming a zero net energy town by reducing and balancing local stationary energy needs with a 100% renewable energy supply.

​Beyond Zero Emissions, a national climate think-tank has helped REB develop the Benalla Stationary Energy Transition Strategy, with its goal of 100% renewable stationary energy by 2028.
 
However, achieving zero net energy by 2028 is an ambitious and complex task. I am writing to you as Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) urgently needs more people to help us to achieve this goal.
 
While this letter is about seeking help for REB, I believe that there are benefits for those who volunteer to become involved with REB. You would become part of a group of like-minded people who are concerned about leaving a safer climate for our children and grandchildren, as well as helping to build a sustainable and renewable energy future for Benalla. By being an active and connected member of REB you would be helping to rebuild the sense of community, which is so important. Your involvement would certainly promote a sense of purpose and achievement. You will also be meeting new people with whom you will be able to share your skills and learn new skills from them.
 
Some of the ways in which people could help REB are:

• Assist with community engagement, spreading the message, encouraging support for renewables.
• Help with a small distinctive task e.g. communication
• Become involved in the organisation of a specific event or project
• Participate in monthly meetings to provide ideas, input and direction into the activities and projects of REB.

 
Background information on REB and its activities is included in the attachment.
 
As I have said above, Renewable Energy Benalla urgently needs more people to help us achieve our goal. If you are willing to help us do this, please contact me by email or phone.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
John Lloyd
Convenor
Renewable Energy Benalla
 
Tel: 5765 2476                    Mob: 0427 662 706                           email: andrewslloyd@iinet.net.au
 

Introduction …
 
…I would like to explain how the solar panels came to be installed on Munro Ave Preschool.

As Michelle mentioned, I am Convenor of Renewable Energy Benalla, which is an action group of Benalla Sustainable Future Group, a not-for-profit community group which actively encourages taking action on climate change.
 
Renewable Energy Benalla seeks to encourage the uptake of renewable energy in Benalla Rural City and has initiated the Benalla Community Energy Project as one way of contributing to this. The community energy project aims to establish a donation based revolving fund to install solar panels or undertake energy efficiency upgrades on community facilities in and around Benalla.
 
The project provides interest free loans to the selected community facilities, to fund the works required, with no upfront contribution being necessary. Loan repayments to the fund from the host site are based on the estimated savings made on energy bills. The loan repayments gradually rebuild the balance of the fund, which can then be used to make a loan to another community building. In this way the fund becomes a revolving fund.
 
Donations from the community help rebuild the balance of the fund more quickly than relying solely on loan repayments, which enables new loans to be made to other community facilities more frequently.

Following discussions with the kindergarten management group, the North East Regional PreSchool Association, Munro Ave was selected as our first project. Normally, we would have needed to conduct a fund raising program but we were fortunate enough to obtain a grant from the Winton Solar Farm Community Benefit Program, which together with significant contributions from others, enabled us to undertake our first project without the need for fund raising. Future projects however will require donations from the community. We have established a facility to accept on-line donations and the details are on the publicity leaflets available today.
 
Thank You…
 
I would now like to thank the people and organisations that have made major contributions to this project.

I will start with Susan and Sandy Campbell. Sandy was involved in some of the early discussion about establishing the fund and decided to make a significant donation to 'kick start' the fund.
  
When the Winton Solar Farm announced their Community Benefit Scheme we applied for a grant of $5000 which we were fortunate enough to receive. We knew that this would enable us to start our first project without having to conduct a fund raising program. Our thanks to Zach Tariq, Project Manager at Winton Solar Farm who unfortunately is an apology today as he is not well, to Alan Robertson, Head of Construction, and to Sarah Stent, Community Engagement person for FRV, the builders of the Winton Solar Farm.
 
I also need to thank Brad Foletta, the Manager at SolarGain Wangaratta. Some months ago I was talking to Brad about Renewable Energy Benalla and our plans to establish this Community Energy Project. He was interested and said that he thought it was time for SolarGain to give something back to the community. SolarGain did this by making a significant in-kind contribution to the installation costs of the panels.
 
There have been others who have supported us in this project. We were able to obtain a small grant from DELWP, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, which enabled us to employ consultants to develop guidelines for project management and governance of the Community Energy Project. Thank you to Fiona Roberts from DELWP and to the consultants Cath Botta and Trish Curtiss, who did the work for a reduced fee.
 
Without the contributions and support from all these people we would not be here today celebrating this event.
 
Introducing Helen Haines MP …
 
It is now my pleasure to introduce Dr Helen Haines, the Independent Federal Member for Indi, who will officially launch this project.
 
Among the many aspects of her work for Indi communities, Dr Haines has a special interest in promoting renewable energy and in particular Community Energy. During 2020 she consulted with a panel of local community energy leaders to develop the Local Power Plan.  The goal of the Local Power Plan is to encourage investment in community owned energy in regional areas, which would allow ordinary Australians to share in the benefits of the renewable energy boom.
 
In February, Helen tabled in Parliament her private member's bill, the Australian Local Power Agency Bill 2021, which would implement the recommendations of the Local Power Plan.
 
Given Helen's interest in this area we felt it was highly appropriate to ask her to officially launch our project today.
 
Our Next Community Energy Project …
 
I would now like to publically announce our next project. This will be to install panels on the Bernard Briggs kindergarten in Church Street. This project will take some time to be implemented as it will largely depend on donations from the community. While the loan repayments from Munro Ave will help, they will take some time to rebuild the balance of the fund. We will be initiating a fund raising program in the near future. However, if you would like to donate to our fund now, the details are on the publicity leaflet.
 
Finally, can I thank you all for attending our official launch today and once again a special thankyou to all those who have contributed to this project.  I would especially like to thank Michelle for her cooperation in allowing us to conduct this ceremony at the kindergarten today.

​
 
John Lloyd
Convenor, Renewable Energy Action (REB), an action group of
Benalla Sustainable Future Group (BSFG)
Thursday 6 May 2021

 On Friday 9 April, photographer Heath Whiley took these wonderful photos of the team from Solar Gain installing solar panels on Munro Avenue Preschool - the inaugural REB Community Energy Project.  Renewable Energy Benalla would like to acknowledge Solar Gain for their generous'in-kind' contribution of labour costs involved in installing the panels, along with a significant initial contribution to establish the Renewable Energy Fund by Sandy and Sue Campbell, and of course the Community Grant of $5000 received from the Winton Solar Farm.

​The PV solar array and connection assets for the Goorambat East Solar Farm, a 640 hectare large utility scale solar farm rated at 250MWs, were approved with a planning permit in December 2019 by the Benalla Rural City Council. Neoen are underway planning of a new Telstra Mobile Tower to service both the project and the community.   Landscape screening plans are also being considered as the project is preparing for construction.  (Goorambat Solar Farm webpage accessed 3 April, 2021.)

The February Bulletin from Neoen's Goorambat Solar Farm released explained that "progress on the Goorambat Solar Farms has slowed due to grid connection issues. Neoen is working hard behind the scenes to keep the projects moving'.

Neoen's recent involvement with the Goorambat community includes:

• donating $10,000 to the Goorambat Community Group towards a public playground and BBQ. Located at the Victory Park near the Railway Hotel and the Diggers Wife Cafe, the new facilities will be popular with locals and tourists.
• co-contributing to a mobile phone tower, pledging funds towards the Goorambat Community Group and the Benalla Rural City Council's program to assist the retailer with application for a federally funded mobile phone tower to boost Goorambat's chances of success.
• meeting with  Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines in Goorambat on March 3rd 2021, along with other solar farm landowners and community members in relation to new infrastructure, including mobile phone reception.   This meeting was reported on in the Benalla Ensign and 

Further information:
Goorambat Solar Farms - Community Relations Plan   -  It is noted  Goorambat East Solar Farm is able to operate as a stand alone plan within  Neoen's Goorambat Solar Farm development.
Mailing list - if you would like to receive regular updates directly from Neoen, go to the Goorambat Solar Farm's Contact Page

Desert Rose House recently won an Australian Engineering Excellence Award. About 70% of people living with dementia actually live in the community, not within an aged care setting. House designs like this one may provide the answer. The house design was submitted and built for the 2018 Solar Decathlon in Dubai but we think it has many features applicable for inland Australia, particularly in a warming climate. It contains many automatic thermal control elements which are available off the shelf.

David Blore

Read the article:   Building a sustainable, dementia-friendly home in the desert
by Edie-Louise Diemar  October 29, 2020 on the Create - Engineering Ideas into Reality - Australian Engineers website .  The photography of the Desert Rose House was included in the article.  

Speaking at BSFG's Climate Science Talks on Friday 26 February, Helen Haines MP updated the local community on the progress of the Local Power Plan initiative , reporting that she had introduced the  Australian Local Power Agency Bill 2021  into Federal Parliament earlier that week.    This bill encapsulates the Local Power Plan, a blueprint for everyday Australians to benefit from the coming renewable energy boom in heir local area.    An informativebackground paper   ​'Unlocking community energy in Australia'  , updates and other resources are available on the  Local Power Plan Website. 

Helen's passion for renewable energy is contagious. “In the 21st century we can build a new generation of prosperity by catching the suns rays and surfing the prevailing winds."

We recently received and are considering the information on the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative  from Fiona Roberts, Community and Partnerships Program Officer,  Hume Region
Forest, Fire and Regions | Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

The Neighborhood Battery Initiative is now open for applications. There are two streams of project funding of a total of $3 million. The first stream is for project development and the second stream is for projects that are ready to be implemented.  See announcement below for more details and a link to the website for guidelines, FAQs and application portal. Applications for the NBI closes 5pm 11 April 2021. Successful applicants will be notified in May 2021.
 
A Consultation Paper seeking stakeholder views about the opportunities and challenges associated with neighbourhood-scale batteries in Victoria is now available on the Engage Victoria website.  I encourage you to read this and give your valued input and feedback. This also closes on 11 April 2021. Here is the link to the consultation paper:  https://engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-neighbourhood-battery-initiative-consultation

​The Victorian Government has launched the $3 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI), inviting applications for neighbourhood-scale battery projects from local investors, businesses, community groups and other interested parties. These batteries can provide a range of benefits to electricity users, networks and Victorian communities by playing a valuable role in supporting residential solar systems to soak up excess solar output during the day which can then be dispatched during times of peak demand.

Stream 1: Project development
Funding (of up to $150,000) will be provided for project(s) that:

• build capacity through developing feasibility studies and business cases for neighbourhood scale battery trial implementation; and/or
• commission technical, regulatory, legal and/or contractual advice or services to support the planning and implementation of a neighbourhood scale battery.

​
Stream 2: Implementation-ready projects
Funding (of up to $800,000) will be provided for project(s) that:

• implement the trial of a neighbourhood scale battery; and
• demonstrate the ability to access multiple value streams.

Applications for To find out more about the initiative, please access the Application Guidelines and Application portal link at www.energy.vic.gov.au/new-energy-technologies.
the NBI close on 11 April 2021.

​​Announced in December 2020, winners of  Winton Solar Farm Community Grants and funded projects  included 'Renewable Energy Benalla – seed funding for a new Community Energy Project'.

"John Lloyd, convenor of volunteer sustainability group, Renewable Energy Benalla, (an action group of Benalla Sustainable Future Group) said seed funding would enable the group to launch its Community Energy Project and progressively install solar and energy efficiency upgrades on local community buildings.

“Funding from Winton Solar Farm will enable us to provide a loan to Munro Avenue Preschool to install premium solar panels and a smart meter next month.

“With the savings they make from going solar, the Preschool can pay back this loan in a few years, at which point we will reinvest the money into providing new solar panels for another community group,” he said."

Extract from Winton Solar Farm news item -  $35,000 in social support awarded as part of Winton Solar Farm Community Grants. December 15, 2020

Yesterday I was informed that the Community Energy Project was successful in obtaining a $5000 grant from Winton Solar Farm.

This will enable us to install panels on our first project – Munro Ave preschool.

More information to come!

John Lloyd

Infrastructure Victoria is inviting 450 Victorians to participate in a series of engagement activities to explore how we can move away from petrol-and diesel-powered vehicles to meet the state’s emissions targets.
 
The transport sector is Victoria’s second most emission intensive sector, accounting for around 20 per cent of the state’s total carbon dioxide emissions (22.3 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e) from a total of 113.9 Mt (CO2e) in 2016).
 
Cars are the biggest contributor, generating 56 per cent of our transport emissions. Unless Victorians adopt low or zero emission vehicles at a faster pace than current trends, we will not reach the state’s legislated target of net zero emissions by 2050.
 
Infrastructure Victoria is inviting participants to meet in a state-wide online community panel which will inform recommendations to be included in Victoria’s updated 30-year infrastructure strategy, to be finalised mid next year. Participants will also be compensated for their involvement through a $60 payment on conclusion of the events.
 
Infrastructure Victoria is an independent advisory body responsible for preparing a 30-year infrastructure strategy for Victoria. We encourage public debate about infrastructure needs, issues and preferences to help inform planning and solutions that will better meet the needs of Victorian communities.
 
Invitation to  community members:
Infrastructure Victoria is inviting 450 Victorians to get involved in a series of online activities, between 25 January and 19 February 2021, to explore how Victorians can be supported to reduce transport emissions. We want to hear from people of different ages, genders, jobs, cultural backgrounds, accessibility needs and postcodes to ensure the panel participants and solutions are broadly representative of the Victorian population.

The expression of interest form is available online on Infrastructure Victoria’s website at www.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/communitypanel

Community panel members will hear from a range of subject matter experts and learn why we need to transition to low or zero emission cars. Participants will also take part in online activities where they can ask questions, discuss key themes, share their views and ultimately provide advice and feedback to Infrastructure Victoria.

Key dates and details
Expression of interest nomination period
9 November – 11 December, 2020

Notification of successful participants
14 – 18 December, 2020

Engagement process

25 January – 19 February, 2021 with approximately 15 hours total commitment. The majority of this time is self-paced.

Are you interested in becoming a panel member?   
For more information and to complete a panel expression of interest application, go to www.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/communitypanel 

Hello to friends of Renewable Energy Benalla,

You may be aware of the recent announcement by the Victorian government that the state budget  will include $797 million to encourage energy efficiency and assist people to pay their energy bills.

The Australian Energy Foundation along with Brotherhood of St Laurence & Uniting, are delivering a new program on behalf of the State Government to help Victorians who have been impacted by COVID 19 understand how to manage their energy bill, through a free consultation over the phone.
 
The Australian Energy Foundation has asked Renewable Energy Benalla to promote this program through our network.

I have attached a brochure that provides more details about the program and the assistance available. The brochure also provides details on how to register for this program.

If you have friends or neighbours who you think would benefit from this program please pass on the information to them.
 
​
John Lloyd

Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) Action Group Report 2020

Renewable Energy Benalla Vision:

For Benalla to become a zero net energy town by reducing and balancing energy demand with 100% renewable energy supply. Whilst Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) was busy during the last six months of 2019 the arrival of the COVID 19 pandemic early in 2020 has resulted in the cessation of monthly meetings and most other activity.

Transition Strategy to 100% Renewables

The major focus for REB is to implement the Transition Strategy that was developed in conjunction with Beyond Zero Emissions. The transition strategy detailed three major strategies that need to be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve zero net energy.

These strategies are:

1. Energy efficiency measures to reduce energy use,
2. Promote and install local roof top solar,
3. Investigate utility scale renewables, battery storage and micro grids.

Strategy 1. Promoting Energy Efficiency A series of six fortnightly sessions focussing on improving the energy efficiency of existing houses were conducted during August to October. These sessions were advertised with the heading, Reduce Energy Bills and Increase Thermal Comfort, and covered the following topics: Understanding energy bills; Draught Proofing & Insulation; Lighting & Windows; Efficient Hot Water Systems, Heating and Cooling; Appliances & Cooking; Energy Monitoring, Solar Power & Batteries. Renewable Energy Benalla was successful in obtaining a Community Sponsorship Grant from Benalla Rural City to enable us to conduct these sessions. While the content of these sessions was well received we were somewhat disappointed with the relatively small number of participants. We will give consideration to what changes we need to make to have more people attend as our plans are to repeat these sessions for a number of years to help achieve the goal of reducing energy demand by one third over the remaining eight years of the transition strategy.

Strategy 2. Promoting Roof Top Solar The final session of the Energy Efficiency series was about the advantages of installing solar panels and issues around battery storage.

Another way to promote roof top solar was our work on establishing a community energy project.

​Community Energy Project

As part of promoting roof top solar REB has been investigating the establishment of a Community Energy Project based on donations from the community that would provide solar panels for community buildings such as kindergartens.  BSFG has established a Benalla Renewable Energy Fund that community members can donate to.   This fund will be used to enable the installation of solar panels on kindergartens and other community buildings with no upfront costs required from the community organisation.

We are planning to adopt the CORENA model of providing loans to the host sites with loan repayments based on the savings made on energy bills. The fund then becomes a revolving fund that enables loans to be made to other host sites for the installation of solar panels or implementation of energy efficiency measures.

REB has been successful in obtaining a small grant from the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) to enable us to employ consultants to prepare guidelines for project management of the Community Energy Project including governance, fundraising, selection criteria, publicity and community engagement.

Communication Materials: 

​As reported last year REB was successful in obtaining a grant from DELWP for the production of four communication pamphlets designed to encourage people to install solar panels and to provide information about energy efficiency. The titles of the pamphlets; Renewable Energy Benalla - Our Vision Energy Efficiency at Home, Keeping a rental house comfortable and energy efficient, Installing Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) and Batteries. Strategy

3. Investigating Utility Scale Renewables One member of the REB committee has been doing a lot of work investigating the possibility of establishing a regional utility scale waste to energy project in Benalla. A number of discussions have been held with Council staff about the feasibility of such a project. Further investigation and discussion with council will continue.

Community Engagement:

Hume Region DELWP, as part of their Climate Ready Hume project had funds available for free screenings of the documentary film "2040" which looks at the effects of climate change over the next 20 years and what technologies that exist today can reverse the effects. BSFG and REB applied for a screening at BPACC in December which was very successful with 160 people attending.

The REB website, www.reb.org.au has been very successful and receives lots of 'hits'. Our thanks to Bev Lee and Peter Maddock, for their great work in maintaining the website.

North East Community Energy Network (NECEN) This network consists of representatives from all the ten community energy groups in North East Victoria. Meetings are held every 2 months in Wangaratta but of late have been via Zoom. A lot of valuable networking takes place at these meetings with each group reporting on their activities. This network is supported by Indigo Power.

One major initiative that REB took part in was a regional hot water bulk buy. There were two systems available; a very efficient heat pump system or an evacuated tube solar system. The major purpose was to encourage people to reduce energy demand by installing a very energy efficient hot water system. Four people took up this offer in Benalla with 65 systems being installed across the region.

Launch of Indigo Power REB took part in promoting the launch of Indigo Power, a community owned energy company. There were a series of launches to be held in regional centres, including Benalla, but COVID 19 came along and the launches were conducted by Zoom. Indigo Power is a registered Social Enterprise, which means that 50% of profits will be shared amongst the community. Indigo Power aims to encourage the move to 100% renewable energy for our region.

Future of Renewable Energy Benalla:

​REB began as an action group of BSFG but then in August 2018 REB decided to become an incorporated association basically to protect the name from a potential commercial organisation wanting to adopt it.

The REB group has always been a small group and has struggled to meet its objectives and meet the requirements of the model rules for incorporated associations. We have decided to cancel REB's incorporation and revert to being an action group of BSFG once again.

Community Engagement to help Achieve our Vision: A plan to achieve zero net energy by 2028 is an ambitious and complex task. REB need more people from the community to assist with implementing the Transition Strategy. This may be to help with a small distinctive task or to become involved in the organisation of a specific event or project. REB is currently investigating ways to improve our engagement with the Benalla community and to encourage people to become involved in achieving 100% renewables by 2028.

John Lloyd, Convenor,
Renewable Energy Benalla

The Winton Solar Farm has launched its annual Community Grants Program with up to $20,000 available for local community groups.  Please see further information below from Winton Solar Farm Project Manager, Zach Tariq.

"As part of our commitment to make a positive contribution to the region, FRV have established the Winton Solar Farm Community Grants Program. Grants will support local initiatives and projects that benefit the community in the key areas of:

• Environment and Sustainability
• Skills and Participation
• Health and Safety

Up to $20,000 funding is available for eligible local organisations.

Applications are now open and close Friday 9th October. For further information and a copy of the Application Form, please visit the Community Page of our website.  

FRV is proud to be able to make this positive contribution to the local community. I look forward to sharing the outcomes of this year’s Grants Program with you later this year.

Yours sincerely,

Zach Tariq
Project Manager"

On Wednesday 23 September Helen Haines MP, Independent Federal Member for Indi, launched the Local Power Plan – a blueprint to reboot the economy of regional Australia with locally-owned community energy.

"The Local Power Plan is the culmination of a six-month community co-design process. We invited Australians from all backgrounds to have a say in the role of renewables in regional Australia.

And the message we heard was clear: people are excited about the potential of renewables to bring new jobs and opportunities, and of course, clean and cheap power. But we need a way to ensure that everyday people can benefit from the boom that is already happening.

This is where the Local Power Plan comes in.

Our plan proposes the creation of a new Australian Local Power Agency to deliver three innovative schemes:

• The Local Power Scheme will establish 50 hubs in regional centres across Australia and a new $310 million fund to support local communities to develop their own energy projects;

• The Underwriting New Community Investment Scheme will provide financial certainty to community-owned renewables projects, unlocking a new wave of locally-owned power stations;

• The Community Renewable Investment Scheme will enable local people to purchase 20% of the value of new large-scale renewables projects, meaning the benefits will flow to local people.

In Australia, we are facing some of our toughest economic conditions ever. The time is right to make transformational investments in Australia, and especially in regional Australia.

By bringing cheap, clean power to the regions, spurring a new wave of local employment, and creating new sources of income that will last for decades, the Local Power Plan is one opportunity to reboot our regional economy with community energy."

The Webinar of the launch was most informative, with speakers from community power advocates from Mansfield, Euroa, .... in Indi; from ..... and with ....a most inspiring presentation by the person chosen to launch the plan, ....... who wrote ....... .  

To turn the plan into reality, work needs to be done by those sharing the vision of a generation of prosperity fuelled by cheap, clean, local power, to get the Government to commit $483 million over 10 years.    What can be done?    While we don't need to contact our Federal MP to support the Local Power Plan, as Helen Haines has inspired and working actively to support it; however we could continue to work with our local council about supporting local renewables projects and get involved with Renewable Energy Benalla, Indigo Power and more.  

Beverley Lee
Media Team

REB members Kevin Smith, Adrian Howden, Larissa Montgomery, John Lloyd, Frank Dunin and BSFG secretary Peter Maddock met at Rustik, 'between lockdowns', on July 15, 2020.

"Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) was one of the first Zero Carbon Communities supported by Beyond Zero Emissions. This partnership led to the development of a Stationary Energy Transition strategy designed to reduce energy demand, replace with local renewables, and switch to large scale renewables. A few years on local champions led by John Lloyd from the Benalla Sustainable Futures Group and Larissa Montgomery from the Benalla City Council have been working on a wide range of energy projects.

REB was established as an action group of the Benalla Sustainable Future Group in 2016 from self-nominated interested members of the community. Our Vision is for Benalla to become a zero net energy town by reducing and balancing energy demand with 100% renewable energy supply.

REB works in collaboration with the community and relevant organisations to achieve the following objectives:

• Implement the Benalla Stationary Energy Transition Strategy;
• Promote energy efficiency and reduce energy use within the community; 
• Create awareness, promotion and support for renewable energy by the community;
• Achieve a significant increase in local renewable energy generation; and
• Keep increased financial benefits locally.

We are excited about the opportunities for our region and keen to learn from and share skills with other communities with a similar vision. Collaborating with Zero Carbon Communities network and close connections with other community energy and sustainability groups in the region has really helped move things forward.

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more:
Renewable Energy Benalla website
Facebook"
​
From Beyond Zero Emissions' June Newsletter 2020

​Unlocking community energy in Australia  Dr Helen Haines, Federal MP for Indi,  recently launched this paper discussing the development of a plan  to promote community energy throughout Australia, particularly in regional areas.   

Renewable Energy Benalla  produces a number of publications which it is keen to disseminate to community members.  REB would be most grateful if you could share news of these publications in your networks.  

If you would like a copy of one or more of these pamphlets, or are able to disseminate printed copies, please contact  Renewable Energy Benalla Member and Benalla Rural City Council's Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Larissa Montgomery on 5760 2614 or Larissa.Montgomery@benalla.vic.gov.au