Our green dream

Manningham Leader
Wednesday 5/12/2007 Page: 5

DONCASTER Hill could become a self-sustaining village with wind turbines, a water recycling system and solar panels on buildings and bus stops if an innovative new proposal gains support. Sustainability Victoria has approached Manningham Council for help to develop a Smart Energy Zone (SEZ) plan for the precinct in a bid to slash greenhouse gas emissions when the council's vision for a highrise estate on the hill is realised.

The council's Doncaster Hill strategy, which aims to turn Doncaster Rd into a boulevard lined with energy-efficient highrise shop and apartment complexes, is starting to gain momentum. Now the council is being encouraged to make its grand plan even greener. Sustainability Victoria's SEZ project manager Steven Peters said he was working with the council to develop business cases for local energy production such as small-scale suburban wind generation.

He said Doncaster Hill could be an ideal pilot site. "It is a new development so it is a lot easier to put in things there rather than retrofit on to an existing system," Mr Peters said. "And there is such a strong focus on sustainability in their (council's) plans." Sustainability Victoria has $4 million of State Government funds for green projects such as solar, wind and thermal energy production.

Manningham Council planning and environment director Paul Molan said there was potential for Manningham to be a leader in sustainability and pointed to council's roof as a possible site for wind turbines or extensive solar panelling. Mr Molan said larger-scale ideas included sewer mining, where stormwater is re-used for watering parks and gardens. The Doncaster Hill Hotel, due to start construction mid-2008, could be one of the first to go green. Developer Ron Di Pietro said he hoped to generate electricity through wind turbines and solar panels on the hotel's roof. Mr Di Pietro said it would be costly and more government incentives should be provided, but that Doncaster Hill could be a flagship project.