The hope that the council will become carbon neutral is one step closer after councillors resolved to continue the rollout of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations for the shire’s largest electricity consuming sites.
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Not just a win for the environment, council sustainability officer, Sandy Eager, said it’s a ratepayers hip-pocket issue.
“It is anticipated that there will also be a total annual net financial benefit of more than $100,000 after all installation and maintenance costs are taken into account,” she said.
“The estimated average period for the systems to pay back their value is 2.86 years. The installations will contribute approximately 100 per cent offset of electricity consumption from the grid at Raleigh Depot, Dorrigo Depot, Raleigh Waste Management Facility and Dorrigo Library.
“A complete stand-alone system will contribute 100 per cent of electricity supply at the Bellingen Waste Transfer Station … it is really a showcase site of what can be done within the shire.”
The renewable energy initiative continues council’s greenhouse gas emissions aim - a reduction target of 40 per cent on 1990 levels by 2020. Additionally, it complements energy efficiency measures across all operations.
“The proposed solar PV installations will result in emissions reductions of 357 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) emissions, contributing to an overall total annual emissions reduction of 561 tonnes CO2-e,” Sandy said.
“This is more than the annual emissions from 43 average Australian households.”
There are existing installations at council’s administration building, Bellingen Youth Hub, Bellingen Tourist Information Centre and Dorrigo Pool.
Other installations contributing significantly to offsetting the purchase of electricity from the grid are proposed for Bellingen Pool, Urunga Library, the Urunga, Dorrigo and Bellingen waste-water treatment plants, water supply treatment infrastructure at Dorrigo and Bellingen, and at the main administration building.
The success and progress of the energy saving infrastructure projects were universally approved by councillors with Cr Dominic King saying “it sets a good standard … lifts the council brand”.
Mayor Mark Troy said, “the environmental and financial benefits arising from the proposed installations will contribute to future-proofing council against ongoing increases in utility costs.
“This is particularly important in the context of council’s financial sustainability and Fit for the Future undertakings.”
The motion to progress solar PV installations was carried unanimously at Wednesday’s council meeting.
