Sustainability Victoria Webinars - Maximising Community Participation in Community Energy Projects17/9/2019 Are your community energy programs designed to maximise community participation? An invitation from Sustainability Victoria:
"Sustainability Victoria invites you to a series of free webinars in September and October on how to ensure quality participation in your community-owned energy projects, now and in the future. Presented by Dr Jarra Hicks from the Community Power Agency, you’ll hear about best practice approaches to community participation based on the latest insights from Sustainability Victoria’s Community Power Hubs pilot program. This four-webinar series is ideal for community energy groups wanting to ensure future projects are designed and structured to facilitate community participation, or those wanting to create better opportunities for community participation in existing projects. Designing community-owned renewable energy projects with strong community participation - Webinars - September-October 2019 Webinar 1: Introduction to designing community owned energy projects with strong community participation. Thursday 19 September 2019, 6:00–7:30 PM Webinar 2: Facilitating participation through economic arrangements. Thursday 26 September 2019, 6:00–7:30 PM Webinar 3: Facilitating participation through governance structures. Thursday 3 October 2019, 6:00–7:30 PM Webinar 4: Facilitating participation through community engagement practices. Thursday 10 October 2019, 6:00–7:30 PM Find out more and register for free if you’d like to join the webinars. For further enquiries, please contact webinar@cpagency.org.au . --- James Bramwell Strategic Coordinator (Hume) | Regions, Communities & Local Government M: 0437 038 118 |Ph: 03 8626 8826 www.sustainability.vic.gov.au | follow us @sustainvic "
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From the Web Team: REB is a small action group which is working on many aspects of Renewable Energy from a number of directions. With time at a premium we don't want to put on more pressure on them to write reports, so it seems like putting in the information they contribute at meetings via the minutes is a good idea! The work the group is doing is wide ranging and clearly requires considerable research and decision making.
From the August Minutes (20 August 2019) "1. Action Groups – report on action plan to implement key strategies 1.1 Waste to Energy – report from Adrian. Adrian has contacted Kelly Wickham at Sustainability Victoria to discuss whether there is any funding available to investigate feasibility of options. Adrian has made contact with Mt Alexander Sustainability Group and will try to meet with them to discuss their project. Still investigating plasma system which recycles plastic back to food grade pellets. Gasification to produce syngas, original company who were liaising with don’t have the capacity. Have found a Canadian company which is more progressed. Cruise ships using similar smaller systems. 1.2 Community Energy Project – report from John Account for Community Energy Fund is nearly established. John circulated advice received from the Bendigo Sustainability Group and Chuffed.org. Loan based approach would be much easier than PPA type arrangement. Need to work out fundraising and how to proceed and how to accept donations. If people are going to want to claim on tax return will need to get Deductable Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Initial project would be for the two kindergartens we have been liaising with. Mens Shed might also be interested. ACTION: John and Larissa to identify what are the steps and tasks needed and what skills might be required to progress with the community energy project, with the aim of seeking a few more volunteers to assist. Draft an email to go out to contact list and circulate to REB group for review. 1.3 Energy Efficiency sessions – report from John The draft proofing and insulation session was held last night with 10 people attending. Most that attended indicated they would attend the next session. Might need to get a list of handyman and trades people that could undertake retrofit work such as installing installation. 2.Mini Grant project: Designing to Engage Benalla in a Renewable Energy Future Documents were finalised and printed. The group discussed how the flyers should be used and distributed. Should promote at the Lakeside Market, will work on organising for 28 September market. Will also put some in West End Post Office, Library and Swanpool Cinema. 3.Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap 3.1.Launch – the document was recently launched in Wangaratta, John attended. John distributed a hard copy of the Roadmap. 3.2.John is organising a guest speaker to talk about the Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap for the September BSFG meeting. Discussed whether REB could use the opportunity to also promote the REB group. Agreed that this was a good idea. Meeting should be widely promoted. 4.Hot Water Bulk Buy John and Kevin have been liaising with Indigo Power on the hot water bulk buy. Draft flyer was circulated with indicative prices. Will need a plumber and electrician, John will speak to potential interested plumber and advise Indigo Power. 5.Community Engagement Strategy 5.1.Reports of discussions with stakeholders Peter discussed with Daryl Defazio who has some concerns around large scale solar. Hasn’t been able to get in touch with Tim Bowtell as yet. 5.2.John distributed Bendigo Council Community Engagement Toolkit which might be useful as we consider community engagement opportunities. 6.General Business 6.1.Annual Statement to Community Affairs Victoria is due the end of October. Peter will report as per the BSFG AGM. Motion: That Peter is to complete the online lodgement of the Annual Statement to Community Affairs Victoria based on the information presented at the BSFG/REB AGM. Moved: Kevin Smith 2nd: Peter Maddock All in favour 6.2.Still haven’t heard about the outcome of the funding application submitted with GVCE (Goulburn Valley Community Energy). Geoff Lodge would still like to progress with solar on community housing which isn’t dependent on this funding. May also be future discussion if GVCE are successful with Winton Solar Farm project, regarding community benefit sharing which would be from the outset (unlike others who may only commit once operational and making profit). 6.3.Kevin and Peter will attend the Lightsource BP Solar farm (Winton) session – looking at extending / increasing the size of the solar farm application. 6.4.Chelsea from DELWP wanted to gauge interest in screening of the film ‘2040’ as either a promotion or fundraising event for BSFG and REB. Everyone agreed it would be a good idea at either the DELWP Theatrette or BPACC. Peter suggested ‘Point of no return’ is another good film to screen. 6.5. Benalla Youth Action Society John sent email to the group to ask if they are thinking about the School Strike for Climate on September 20th. 7.Next Meeting Tuesday 17th September 2019 10am"
It is such a pleasure to see the beautiful 'environmenta and sustainability' themed mural completed for Wall to Wall Benalla Street Art Festival 2019 by artist Tarsha Davis and Benalla P-12 College students. Congratulations to all involved.
Reduce Energy Bills and Increase Thermal Comfort More Comfort – Less Cost Renewable Energy Benalla is conducting a new series of free workshops on how to reduce energy bills and increase the thermal comfort of your home.
Session 1 August 5 - Understanding energy bills and getting the best rate Electricity contracts, understanding your usage, comparing retail rates Bring your electricity bills to discuss Session 2 August 19 - Draught Proofing & Insulation Locating and fixing draughts Insulation to improve thermal performance Session 3 September 2 - Lighting & Windows Energy efficient lighting Solutions to poorly performing windows Session 4 September 16 - Efficient Hot Water Systems, Heating and Cooling Water heating is a major energy user while heating accounts for 30% of energy bills Learn about efficient options Session 5 September 30 - Appliances & Cooking; Transitioning from Gas Appliances & cooking account for 30% of energy bills Session 6 October 14 - Energy Monitoring, Solar Power & Batteries Monitoring real time energy consumption Advantages of solar power & batteries These free workshops will be conducted fortnightly on Mondays in the meeting rooms at the Uniting Church in Carrier Street, Benalla, (opposite the Coles car park), from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. While attending all the workshops would provide the major benefit, some people may wish to only attend some of the sessions. It is important to register to attend these workshops by emailing info@reb.org.au indicating the workshops you wish to attend or phone / SMS Peter on 0418 135 330. Download Flyer 'Ideal for Solar Project'
Winton Wetlands' environmental potential is being diversified with expressions of interest now open on a new solar project for the site. This will add to a number of local solar projects as Benalla and district continues to embrace clean energy generation. Winton Wetlands Committee of Management chair Dennis O'Brien said the project was in response to the Australian Government's initiative to mitigate the risk of climate change and global warming. "The purpose of the proposed project is to supply green electricity generated from solar irradiation into the National Energy Market," Dr O'Brien said. "The Committee of Management is capitalising on the site's natural ecopnomic strenghts and aligning themselves to add to the state government's energy mix, as we work towards the target of 40% renewable energy generation by 2025. "Solar farms are the most direct way to help us reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. "Solar farms feed surplus power to the mains grid thereby distributing renewable, clean energy." After two feasibility studies considering the practicability of developing a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility and associated infrastructure on the Winton Wetlands site, and the preliminary ecological constraints and planning approval matters, it was determined that solar PV projects at Winton Wetlands are technically viable at a commercial scale. "The choice of location for the Mokoan Solar Project is driven by two main factors," Dr O'Brien said. "Firstly, this location has among the highest levels of solar irradiation in Victoria. "Secondly, the site has excellent topography - being very flat, with excellent drainage features." The proposed site is up to 800 ha of crown land, to build and operate 200+MW capacity, equating to a provision of more than 50,000 households. The expression of interest process is now open until Friday, July 12.
BSFG and REB recently received an Invitation to the Community Consultation for South Energy's proposed Solar Farms at Kennedys Creek and Lake Mokoan on Thursday 13 June at the Lake Mokoan Hub from 4 to 7 pm. The invitation letter included the following background information and contact details. 1.0 Introduction South Energy is currently preparing two upcoming planning permit applications for the use and development of two solar farms; Kennedys Creek Solar Farm and Lake Mokoan Solar Farm. Both proposed solar farms are located in proximity to the Winton Wetlands. With great respect to your effort and dedication to the region, we wish to inform the Benalla Sustainable Future Group of the upcoming planning applications to ensure that members are aware of both proposals and are given the opportunity to provide feedback on the projects. Community consultation is a key next step for the proposals and will help to inform the design and delivery of the projects. An information session about the proposed solar farms will be held at the Mokoan Hub and Café at 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, 13 June 2019. South Energy would like to formally invite members of the Benalla Sustainable Future Group to the information session and welcome member’s comments on the proposed solar farms. 2.0 Site and Project Overviews In response to the Australian Government’s initiative to mitigate the risk of climate change and global warming, the purpose of the proposed projects is to supply green electricity generated from solar irradiation into the National Energy Market. The projects will contribute significantly to Australian and Victorian renewable energy targets by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 547,000 tonnes a year in total. The following two sections provide an overview of each solar farm. 2.1.1 Kennedys Creek Solar Farm The Kennedys Creek Solar Farm will be located at: • Murray Road, Benalla; • 51 Nelson Road, Benalla; • 67 Nelson Road, Benalla • 125 Nelson Road, Benalla; and • 284 Benalla-Yarrawonga Road, Benalla. The site is located within the Industrial 1 Zone and the Farming Zone. Currently, it is being used for broad acre farming. Upon completion, the project is expected to have a network capacity of up to 145 megawatts (MW), providing green electricity to approximately 51,000 households each year. 2.1.2 Lake Mokoan Solar Farm Lake Mokoan Solar Farm will be located at: • 892 Benalla-Yarrawonga Road; • 81 Lake Mokoan Road, Goorambat; and • Benalla-Yarrawonga Road, Benalla. The project is approximately 4 kilometres north of the proposed Kennedys Creek Solar Farm and is situated to the west of the Winton Wetlands. The project is located wholly within the Farming Zone and is also currently used for broad acre farming. The project is expected to have a network capacity of up to 115 MW and is anticipated to provide green electricity to approximately 41,000 households each year. 3.0 What’s Next?
Both of the chosen sites have been deemed suitable for development of a solar farm due to their topography and proximity to existing infrastructure.We understand the importance of community engagement to ensure that local opinions, perspectives and ideas are heard and considered by the projects. Once we have considered the feedback received from all stakeholders, it is anticipated that the planning application will be submitted to Benalla Rural City Council in July 2019. Should you have any questions or queries regarding the projects, please do not hesitate to contact David Huang on (03) 8842 6888 or david.huang@southenergy.com.au or visit our website www.kennedyscreeksolar.com.au or www.lakemokoansolar.com.au +613 8842 6888 | Fax +613 8640 0706 www.southenergy.com.au The Victorian Climate Change Act 2017 legislates an economy-wide target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and requires the Government to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for 2025 and 2030 by 31 March 2020 to set a pathway to net zero.
The Government sought advice on setting these targets from an Independent Expert Panel chaired by the Hon Greg Combet AM. The Panel’s final report has been tabled in Parliament and is available at https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/reducing-emissions/interim-targets. The Government is now seeking further input to inform its decision on targets for 2025 and 2030, and to identify priority actions to reduce Victoria’s emissions to inform the development of sector pledges to 2025. Sector pledges will describe the actions Government will take to reduce Victoria’s emissions. These will be developed with the Victorian community and businesses before being announced by 1 August 2020. The consultation is open from 6 June 2019 to 22 July 2019. Renewable Energy Benalla Response Renewable Energy Benalla provided input to the Independent Expert Panel report on interim emissions reduction targets and will be participating in the next stage of the consultative process, details of which are available at https://engage.vic.gov.au/climate-change-reducing-victorias-greenhouse-gas-emissions. REB members have been asked to consider the interim remission reduction targets in the report and be prepared to contribute to a response from REB at our next meeting. For further information about REB's contribution and response, please contact John Lloyd. Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) Action Group Renewable Energy Benalla
Vision: For Benalla to become a zero net energy town by reducing and balancing energy demand with 100% renewable energy supply. The last 12 months have been extremely busy for the Renewable Energy Benalla action group with monthly meetings to plan how to implement the Benalla Stationary Energy Transition Strategy that was developed with the support of Beyond Zero Emissions and launched in November 2017. 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: I) Energy efficiency measures to reduce energy use, ii) Promote and install local roof top solar, iii) Investigate utility scale renewables, battery storage and micro grids. Along with these three strategies it will also be important to promote the vision and activities of Renewable Energy Benalla. Many homes and businesses have made great progress with increasing efficiencies and installing rooftop solar but many people aren’t aware of the possibilities and the momentum for change that is developing. A critical activity will be to promote options and inform people so they support the change that is necessary and become active in achieving it. In order to help promote Renewable Energy Benalla an REB website, www.reb.org.au has been established which is maintained by Bev Lee and Peter Maddock. Their work with the website is very much appreciated by members of the action group. Renewable Energy Benalla also became incorporated in order to protect the name from any possible business starting up in Benalla who may have wanted to use that name. Energy Efficiency A number of sessions focussing on improving the energy efficiency of existing houses were conducted during 2018. These sessions were advertised with the heading, Reduce Energy Bills and Increase Thermal Comfort, and covered the following topics: Understanding your energy bills - electricity and gas; Energy Efficient Lighting; Draught Proofing; Insulation; Windows: shading, coatings and films, and glazing; Efficient Hot Water Systems; Efficient Heating and Cooling Options. These sessions will be repeated again in 2019 and in following years to help achieve the goal of reducing energy demand by one third over ten years. Promoting Roof Top Solar As part of this strategy REB invited Mondo Power to make a solar panel and battery offer to the Benalla community which unfortunately was not accepted by the community. Discussions have been held with Mondo to review the reasons for the failure of this offer. 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. In order to do this BSFG would need to establish a Benalla Renewable Energy Fund that community members could donate to? Community buildings would make repayments to this fund based on the savings they would make by having solar panels on their roof. This would mean that funds would again be available to install panels on another building. 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. Involvement with Beyond Zero Emissions I attended the BZE AGM in Melbourne as an invited guest speaker and gave an overview of REB activities. The Beyond Zero Emissions Electrifying Industry Report was presented to a small group of regional people on 26th March. Vanessa Petrie, CEO of BZE travelled to Benalla to present the report. Grant Applications Renewable Energy Benalla has submitted applications for two different grants. a) Hume Region Community Renewable Energy Mini-Grants This grants program aims to support communities to engage members of their communities in activities or events which raise awareness and understanding of renewable energy opportunities. An application titled "Engaging Benalla in a Renewable Energy Future" was submitted. The grant sought was for $2915 for the design and printing of a range of communication materials to assist REB raise its profile and increase engagement with the wider Benalla community. Benalla Sustainable Future Group was nominated as the lead agency as REB does not have a bank account. This application was successful and the moneys will be paid into the BSFG bank account. b) Victorian Community Climate Change Adaptation Grants (3CA Grants) The 3CA Grants program aims to support practical projects focused on adaptation activities with clear community benefit. Discussions were held with Goulbourn Valley Community Energy (GVCE) about a joint application to thermally upgrade low income housing by improving draught proofing and insulation to make them more energy efficient and more thermally comfortable. A joint application for $100,000 titled 'Adapting Community Housing for Climate Change' has been made with GVCE nominated as the lead organisation. If the application is successful GVCE will handle the financial aspects. The submission involves conducting assessments of 50 houses owned or managed by community housing organisations, 25 in Benalla and 25 in Goulburn Valley, and then carrying out retrofits of those houses. In Benalla we will focus on houses managed by Beyond Housing. Announcement of successful grant submissions will be made by the end of May. 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. The successful application for a grant to develop communication materials will help with this process. John Lloyd, Convenor, Renewable Energy Benalla Renewable Energy Benalla has submitted applications for two different grants.
a) Hume Region Community Renewable Energy Mini-Grants This grants program aims to support communities to engage members of their communities in activities or events which raise awareness and understanding of renewable energy opportunities. An application titled "Engaging Benalla in a Renewable Energy Future" was submitted. The grant sought was for $2915 for the design and printing of a range of communication materials to assist REB raise its profile and increase engagement with the wider Benalla community. Benalla Sustainable Future Group was nominated as the lead agency as REB does not have a bank account. This application was successful and the moneys will be paid into the BSFG bank account. b) Victorian Community Climate Change Adaptation Grants (3CA Grants) The 3CA Grants program aims to support practical projects focused on adaptation activities with clear community benefit. Discussions were held with Goulbourn Valley Community Energy (GVCE) about a joint application to thermally upgrade low income housing by improving draught proofing and insulation to make them more energy efficient and more thermally comfortable. A joint application for $100,000 titled 'Adapting Community Housing for Climate Change' has been made with GVCE nominated as the lead organisation. If the application is successful GVCE will handle the financial aspects. The submission involves conducting assessments of 50 houses owned or managed by community housing organisations, 25 in Benalla and 25 in Goulburn Valley, and then carrying out retrofits of those houses. In Benalla we will focus on houses managed by Beyond Housing. Announcement of successful grant submissions will be made by the end of May. John Lloyd (Source: Report to BSFG AGM) DELWP's Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap project is a 12-month project funded through the Goulburn Valley and Ovens Murray Regional Partnerships and hosted by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. By end of July 2019 the project will be complete. The Roadmap will represent the voice of the community, identify local barriers and issues, understand the investment potential of the region and identify community expectations of the renewable energy transition. Is your business spending too much on energy? Register now for workshops - 7 May The Roadmap is working with DELWP Business and Industry Engagement to bring free energy workshops for Hume region businesses in Wodonga and Shepparton. Come and hear local businesses talk about what they do to reduce their energy costs, and the range of practical and technical solutions they use:
Wodonga 7:30 – 9:30 am The Cube 118 Hovell Street, Wodonga https://energy-workshop-for-business-wodonga.eventbrite.com.au Shepparton 4:30 – 6:30 pm Quality Hotel ParkLake 481 Wyndham Street, Shepparton https://energy-workshop-for-business-shepparton.eventbrite.com.au For more details, please contact Jan O’Dwyer, Business and Industry Engagement on 0402 224 506 or jan.odwyer@delwp.vic.gov.au Pumped Hydro Electric Storage potential of our region The Roadmap has commissioned the 100% Renewable Energy group of the Research School of Electrical, Energy and Materials Engineering, Australia National University to survey the Hume region’s potential to host pumped hydroelectric storage (PHES). We are starting to receive raw data and maps (see below). Contact us if you would like some more information. Each identified potential site comprises an upper and lower reservoir pair plus a hypothetical tunnel route between the reservoirs, and includes data such as latitude, longitude, altitude, head, slope, water volume, water area, rock volume, dam wall length, water/rock ratio, energy storage potential and approximate relative cost (red- least cost and yellow – high cost)  PHES is an important part of our renewable energy future providing storage solutions that can release energy to meet demand and stabilise the electricity grid.
Image from the New South Wales government Pumped Hydro Roadmap report. Visit the Roadmap webpage Our Roadmap webpage is now live! Visit for roadmap project details, catch up on previous newsletters and to view an inspiring video capturing the community forums held last year. We will continue to add to the webpage so keep visiting. For further information please contact: Tom Brown (Project Manager): 0436 611 935 HumeRenewableEnergy.Roadmap@delwp.vic.gov.au If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please email us with UNSUBSCRIBE as the subject. Source: Extracted from the April Newsletter Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap | Hume Region Forest, Fire and Regions | Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning REB joined with Beyond Zero Emissions to hold a regional launch of the BZE report Electrifying Industry on 26th March. The report, which considers how business and manufacturing can move to 100% renewable, was presented to a small, interested group of regional people on by Vanessa Petrie, CEO of BZE, who travelled to Benalla to present the report. Electrifying Industry explores the potential of five categories of electrical heating technology:
Regional businesses Beechworth Brewery and Brown Brothers Winery also presented at the Benalla forum. If you are interested in finding out more about the Electrifying Industry report and would like to have it emailed to you, go to https://bze.org.au/research/manufacturing-industrial-processes/electrifying-industry/
 REB has joined with Beyond Zero Emissions to hold a regional launch of the BZE report Electrifying Industry, which is about how business and manufacturing can move to 100% renewable. Regional businesses Beechworth Brewery and Brown Brothers Winery wil present at the forum.
Some of you may be interested in this forum or may know people in business or manufacturing who may be interested. If so please pass this information on. If you wish to attend please register through Eventbrite 'Repowering Business with Renewable Energy' by Friday 22nd March. John Lloyd The Victorian Government has launched $1 million in competitive grants to fund projects that support communities in Victoria’s regions adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Community Climate Change Adaptation (3CA) Grants Program will:
The 3CA Grants program is providing targeted support for Local Governments, Traditional Owners and community groups to support Victoria’s regions adapt to climate change. Other organisations, such as private sector or education institutions, however may still apply in partnership with a Local Council, Traditional Owner corporation or community group. Grants will be available to successful community adaptation projects of between $25,000 and $75,000. Applications are open now and close at 11.59pm on the 31st March 2019. The 3CA Grants program is part of the Victorian Government’s Supporting our Regions to Adapt initiative, a three-year program providing practical support for communities to prepare for the challenges of a changing climate. It supports outcomes from Victoria’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2017- 2020. For more information on the 3CA Grants Program visit www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/3CAgrants CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION GRANTS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT
THE REB MEETING ON 19TH FEBRUARY John Lloyd spoke at the February 19 quarterly meeting of Benalla's Comunity Plan Implementation Comittee, providing an informative overview of Renewable Energy Benalla. His presentation, included below in two formats, may be of interest to others. Community Energy Forum from Simon Duncan on Vimeo.
In August 2018 in the North East of Victoria, Australia Simon Duncan followed the Community Energy Forum's 6 city tour (including Benalla) promoting Renewable Energy in the region.
REB members are busy pre-reading the following ReNew magazine articles prior to their February meeting. Issue 141 'Z-Net Uralla - On the way towards zero net energy'
Issue 145 'TRYing to get to 100% renewable' ReNew Magazine is available at both the Benalla and Wangaratta Libraries--when last checked, both editions were on the shelf at both libraries. For more information about these inspirational communities, go to Websites Z-NET Uralla Totally Renewable Yackandandah You-Tube Play Lists Z-NET Uralla Totally Renewable Yackandandah Install Rooftop Solar...
The Climate Council recently published '8 New Year's Resolutions on Climate Change', in which Resolution # 3 was 'Install rooftop solar, or switch to green energy' "Two million (and counting) Australians are now harnessing the power of the sun to reduce their greenhouse gas pollution and take control of their power bills by installing rooftop solar. And when paired with battery storage, rooftop solar can deliver clean, reliable, renewable power 24/7". If you are considering installing rooftop solar, you need to do your homework, and might like to begin with chapter 4 of the Climate Council's climate action toolkit. You may also find Solar 101 - A Beginner's Guide helpful. Purchasing from a reputable supplier is important - word of mouth can be helpful as can information such the suggestions as to good installers provided in the Solar 101 video. ...or purchase green energy? "Alternatively, if you’re not in a position to purchase solar panels, you could consider making the switch to a clean energy provider, who will purchase renewable energy on your behalf. This is also a great way to bring down greenhouse gas pollution and invest in renewable energy." There are well established and newly emerging green electricity providers. Some offers relate more directly to the purchase of renewable energy than others which have a greater or lesser component involving carbon offsets. It is important to check out each provider's offer to ensure they are a 'good fit' with the values underpinning your pursuit of green energy options. The Climate Council recommends check out the Green Electricity Guide for help picking a provider. Country News, week 11 December 2019 p4 featured an article by Rodney Woods titled 'Solar Plan Irks Locals' - an extract...
"A new solar farm is being proposed for Benalla, but locals whose houses are in close proximity have signed a petition to have it stopped before it even begins. The proposal by AECOM Australia on behalf of Hunter and Co is set to occupy 9.1 ha at 35 Gunn Rd, about 3 km from Benalla, but locals have banded together to stop it. It is one of the first applications to be looked at since Victoria's Planning Minister Richard Wynne announced a set of draft guidelines in October. ... the guidelines are only a draft at this stage, and will remain so until community consultation is completed in March next year...' The article includes a link to the Draft Guidelines - 'Feedback can be made until March 1 at: https://engage.vic.gov.au/solar-energy-facilities-guidelines'. This is an extract from an article 'Plan Presented' by Simon Ruppert in the Ensign Wednesday December 12. Subheading - 'Solar Application: Winton is set to be the site of a new solar farm that will provide power for 2300 homes'. "Benalla and its surrounding villages will continue to support clean, renewable energy with Benalla Rural City Council giving planning permission to another solar farm project - in Winton. John Mills, a consultant working on behalf of Lightsource Development, the company proposing the facility, presented a plan to the Benalla Rural City Council Planning and Development Committee on Wednesday. He told council that if all goes well they plan to start construction next year. The facility, which will be built at 116 Lee Road in Winton, will consist of 42,108 solar panels, which track the sun's movement throughout the day. The 15 megawatt solar farm is cited to provide enough electricity for 2300 homes. The site will alos house eight inverters, nine transformers and eight batteries housed in a secure structure. The planning permission includes the removal of five large native trees, however it also avoids areas of vegetation and habitat identified within ecological and biodiversity assessment reports. ... With several solar farms planned for the Benalla Rural City Council area these decisions are going a long way to creating a cleaner, greener future for local people." Interested in finding out more? Check out Lightsource BP's Community Information Pack on the proposed Mokoan Solar Installation
Mondo Power's Revised Solar & Battery offer for Benalla closed on 7th December. Renewable Energy Benalla members reported that 24 people requested information about the revised offer at 'A Day in the Gardens' stall on Sunday 11 November, with other people chatting to REB members at street stalls about the offer in the Benalla Bridge Street shopping strip on 23, 24 and 30th November and 1st December.  Whatever the take up of the Mondo offer, conversations about renewable energy with people who in the 'early to late contemplation stages' of moving to renewable energy sources, if not quite ready to decide and take action on this particular offer, are also significant and to be valued.
REB members recently met representatives of South Energy to discuss the proposed Goorambat Solar Farm, expected to have an estimated network capacity of up to 66 megawatts, powering approximately 24,300 households with electricity through the production of clean energy.
An information session in which South Energy shared their vision for the Goorambat Solar Farm project was held on Thursday 29 November at the Goorambat Town Hall, providing an opportunity for local opinions and ideas to be heard by the project. Information about the project provided to the Benalla Ensign published on Wednesday 21 November included the following
South Energy, a renewable energy developer specialising in delivering utility scale solar farms, will lodge the planning application for the Goorambat project with Benalla Rural City Council shortly. More information is available at https://www.goorambatsolar.com.au. If you have queries about the project, contact Jo Barnett: Joanna.Barnett@aecom.com. Please note that this forum - originally advertised here on 14 November and scheduled for Monday 3 December, has been postponed. We will include new information on the website when it becomes available.  As you are no doubt aware, there is a positive and powerful transition unfolding across the Australian electricity sector as more people invest in solar panels on their homes and businesses. Renewable Energy Benalla is encouraging this transition locally alongside a vibrant renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) was formed with the specific intent to help Benalla transition to a low-carbon future. REB has worked closely with many local people and with the support of Beyond Zero Emissions, a not-for-profit carbon reduction agency, to develop a strategy for Benalla to transition to 100% renewable energy over the next 10 years. Across Benalla Rural City 21% of Benalla properties are already experiencing the great benefits of renewable energy, which include;
A wide range of solar systems are available on the market and it is extremely important to scrutinize the quality, performance and durability of various technologies and brands. REB have been partnering with energy market experts, Mondo Power to offer a solar and battery package to encourage more people to join this transition to clean renewable energy. This revised offer from Mondo Power has a pricing structure which includes the Mondo Ubi, a smart energy monitoring and management device which enables the creation of microgrids. The offer is based on high quality solar systems tailored to match the individual needs of Benalla residents, which includes the Ubi and the ability to integrate a battery system. The attachments provide more detail about the Ubi, microgrids and pricing structure. This offer is due to end on the 7th of December, 2018, so please submit your ‘expression of interest’ to have an obligation free site-inspection completed at your home: https://mondopower.com.au/benalla/ A further advantage of this current offer is that it coincides with the Victorian government's Solar Home Program which is aimed at installing solar panels on the roofs of thousands of Victorian homes. This scheme offers a 50% rebate for any solar panel system under 10kW, up to a maximum rebate of $2225. More details can be found at the program's website: www.solar.vic.gov.au REB looks forward to working with the community to help the transition to 100% renewable energy. For more information on how we aim to achieve this please visit our website: www.reb.org.au John Lloyd Convenor Renewable Energy Benalla"
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