The Herbert River Express, Page: 1
Saturday, 20 May 2006
Hinchinbrook Shire Council offices and facilities will run on 10 per cent renewable power after councillors voted to spend $38,700 on a 'clean energy' program. Under the three-year Ergon Energy silver environmental package, the council will pay an extra $1075 a month on their power bill, and will receive a business energy review worth $5000. The move is expected to lower the council's greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1290 tonnes. Deputy Mayor Arthur Bosworth said the program would allow the council to assess the effectiveness of its energy consumption.
"At this stage we don't know how much we waste or how much we use, " he said. "We live in an environmentally-sensitive part of the world and the local authority recognises that fact and this is a way for us to show our environmental credentials. "We are the environmental conscience for the rest of australia, so we need to be seen to be green and aware of what's going on in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. "The program uses power derived from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass, largely in the form of sugarcane bagasse.
The 'clean' electricity is fed into the grid along with conventional electricity, and is passed on through normal poles and wires. Ergon Energy spokesman John Fowler said the council's adoption of the program showed their commitment to the environment. "I think the Hinchinbrook Shire Council is going to be at the forefront of councils in regional queensland who are taking this initiative," he said. "The council should be congratulated.
"Mr Fowler said much of the renewable energy used in Hinchinbrook would be sourced from a wind farm at Ravenshoe. Speaking at the council meeting, Cr Sherry Kaurila said the program would work out at a cost of 9 cents extra per person each month for every man, woman and child in the shire for the three years.
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