No shortage of sunshine

The solar projects were financed by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program and form part of the Lachlan Shire Council’s Energy Sustainability Plan.

Mayor, John Medcalf OAM said the Energy Sustainability Plan outlined targets and an action plan for Council to reduce its operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions through planning and controlling our energy usage.

“It’s an exciting endeavour for Council to embark on renewable energy projects. Council has been able to identity sites that have high energy consumption, undertake a detailed design process with external consultants, secure significant external funding and see the designs become a reality in a relatively short period of time.”

In Lake Cargelligo work includes the installation of a 240KW solar panel system and 100KWh battery at the Lake Cargelligo Water treatment Plant, 100KW solar panel installation at the Merri Abba Pump Station, 20KW at the sewer treatment plant, 16kW at the Tullibigeal pump and 15KW on the Administration office/library.

In Condobolin, works include three 15KW solar panel installations on the Library, Lachlan Children Services, Home and Community Care building, 20KW at the Sewer Treatment Plant, 40kw at the pool, 30kw at the caravan park and a solar carport at Council’s Administration Building.

Two projects in Tottenham include 20KW at the Water Filtration Plant and 15KW at the Tottenham swimming pool.

The fourteen projects are estimated to reduce Council’s operational costs by $144,000 per annum. They are also estimated to produce a 14 percent reduction in electricity costs and reduce Council’s Carbon emissions by 792 tonnes per annum.

Director of Environment, Planning and Economic Development, Jon Shillito, said, “The Energy Sustainability Plan and these solar projects will help Lachlan Shire Council reduce operational costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions all whilst continuing to meet the needs of
the community.”