Green surf club

Canberra Times
Friday 19/1/2007 Page: 14

Tathra Surf Life Saving Club will officially become tomorrow the first surf life saving club in Australia to be powered totally by renewable resources - the wind and the sun, both plentiful beachside. The pilot project - which involves the installation of a wind turbine and solar modules - is a collaboration between the local community group Clean Energy for Eternity, the Bega Valley Shire Council and the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club.

Clean Energy for Eternity campaign chairman Matt Nott said in 2007, the Year of the Lifesaver, it was his group's aim to have all 305 surf clubs nationally powered by renewable energy. By using sun and wind power we are freeing tip money for the club to spend on life saving equipment, and at the same time using the turbine and solar modules to educate people about the potential of these clean energy sources," he said.

Surf life saving clubs at Pambula, Bermagui and Narooma had already expressed an interest in the project. "Surf clubs are an iconic part of Australian culture and are seen by thousands of people each day in summer. They have good access to wind and sun resources - so we see this as in important way to educate the public of the possibilities of renewable energy," Nott said.

Tathra SLSC president Tony Rettke estimated that by tapping into solar and wind energy, the club would save as about $1000 a year. "I am very proud the members have got behind this project and that we are the first surf club to get on to a project like this," he said.