On target for solar

Bay Post
Wednesday 30/4/2008 Page: 21

AT a public meeting in Tathra last Thursday, Mike Kelly made a commitment to his pre-election promise of $100,000 to look into the feasibility of a solar farm for Eden-Monaro. This has led to the formation of a working group which includes representation from local government, Australian National University, the Mosman community, and regional talent. Mr Kelly talked about a further $1 million in Federal Government funding to put into a solar farm.

He talked about an aspirational target of 50/50 by 2020 for the electorate of Eden-Monaro, and the importance of looking at all renewable energy technologies in order to meet a 50/50 by 2020 target. This would involve wind, sun and biomass generation, as well as emerging technologies such as wave and tide generation. Steve Garrett talked about the sort of changes that will be required for meeting our 50/50 by 2020 target, and the place that solar could have in the mix of renewable energy solutions.

He made it clear that a solar farm is going to be a big undertaking. Last Sunday the Narooma Lifesaving Big Swim was held in cool conditions on the Wagonga Inlet. About 100 swimmers competed in seven and two-kilometre swims, and the event raised enough money to start getting renewable energy installed onto surf clubs. It may take a few weeks to work out how much money was made on the day but generous support from the National Australia Bank and Tathra Beach and Bike ensured the event was a success.

This was a collaborative effort between CEFE, the Narooma and Bermagui surf clubs, and the Narooma Swim Club. Thanks to all who contributed to the smooth running of the event. Well done to the Narooma Surf Club for wading through the mountain of paper work that is part and parcel of this type of event, and for providing water safety on the day. The next LifeSaving Energy event will be the official launch of renewable energy on the roof of the Jindabyne Surf Club on May 3. On May 10 the Moruya LifeSaving Energy Big Swim will be held in the Moruya River to raise money for renewable energy for the Moruya and Broulee surf clubs.