Solar bid stays in limbo

Bendigo Advertiser
Thursday 12/7/2007 Page: 7

CENTRAL Victoria's solar cities bid remained in limbo yesterday after the Prime Minister failed to commit to funding the project despite strong advocacy from local politicians and councils. The Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance bid for $17 million in Federal Government support - under its $75 million Solar Cities program - after 18 months of uncertainty was anticipated to be a strong contender for funding in an election year, but yesterday the Prime Minister would do no more than say a decision would be made before the election.

Advocates of renewable energy would have been disappointed the Prime Minister used his visit again to advocate the need for the inclusion of nuclear and coal to meet future power needs. Mount Alexander Shire mayor Jim Norris said the Prime Minister's visit to Bendigo was an opportunity missed. "We live in hope, but as a community I would have to say we are disappointed he didn't take this opportunity," Cr Norris said.

"Today was the ideal chance, with the focus of the national media and a proposal that will set the model for all the states, and at the end of the day this is a swinging seat." Liberal candidate for Bendigo Peter Kennedy said he and Senator Michael Ronaldson were strong advocates for the project and would continue to push for the funding. "A week doesn't go by when I am not in the ear of someone about the importance of this project," Mr Kennedy said.

"It is a fantastic model because it can be picked up and placed anywhere." Senator Ronaldson added: "It won't fail due to any lack of support and lobbying on our part." City of Greater Bendigo mayor Julie Rivendell, who also met the Prime Minister for a half-hour private meeting, said water education and sustainability were high on the agenda. "We think the solar cities initiative is really important for Bendigo and the region and is the major renewable project that will set the model for elsewhere," she said Mr Howard maintained his approach to future energy needs was based on a balanced economy.

"If we really want to have energy sources that do not pollute the atmosphere as much, we cannot realistically exclude uranium and nuclear power in that mix and as one of the sources of energy as we go forward," he said. "It is very important we have a balanced approach. "Yes, we deal with the greenhouse emissions and an emission trading system, we provide incentives for solar panels and the like, but we don't introduce measures that damage important export industries like the coal industry."

Links: Greenhouse regional partnerships