Mildura Rural City Council’s newly formed Renewable Energy Committee (REC) is paving the way for a sharper focus on renewable energy Victoria’s northwest Mallee region.
Mayor Mark Eckel said the committee would work to further enhance both large and small-scale solar investment in the region.
Committee chairman, Councillor Jason Modica, said one of the overarching goals of the new committee was to help the Mallee reach its potential as a centre for solar energy generation.
“Of course, going hand-in-hand with that charter is to lobby for a deeper look at grid infrastructure to support an increase in solar energy projects, which will ultimately benefit the entire community.
“Other goals of the new committee include working with State and Federal Governments to seek greater recognition of our region as one of Australia’s, if not the world’s, most suitable areas for solar energy production.”
Cr Modica said the Mallee could play a pivotal role in Australia’s shift away from traditional energy to renewables.
Other areas to be explored by the REC include the potential for battery technology and energy storage in the Mallee and the important role community groups and small business could play in the region’s solar energy future.
Mayor Eckel said that the REC represented a concerted effort by Council to encourage renewable energy development and realise the Mallee’s potential to become Australia’s solar capital.
“We look forward to hearing reports from this working group on innovative and exciting options for the way forward,” he said.
