Central Midlands & Coastal Advocate
Thursday 15/5/2008 Page: 14
USING nature to provide energy is crucial to the future in a world where weather patterns and climate are unpredictable says the head of the Northern Agricultural Region's peak body for the environment, sustainability, natural resource management and climate change adaptation. Chris King, chair of Northern Agricultural Catchment's Council said that more emphasis had to be placed on using wind, solar and other renewable resources to supply energy needs into the future.
He was speaking following community meetings in Badgingarra and Cervantes at which the extension of the Emu Downs Wind Farm was discussed. Plans are underway effectively double the size of the existing wind farm from 80MW to 130MW which could potentially provide power for an additional 80,000 homes. Mr King said given that the region was famous for the wind, and the fact that the wind farms in Wallaway and Badgingarra had contributed to the State's energy grid very effectively, it made sense to continue the development.
"Not only that, the wind farms have become great tourist attractions in their own right," he said. "Everytime a tourist visits the interpretive centres they read about the green power that is generated and learn about alternative power sources and the importance of new thinking." He stressed that new thinking was something that the NACC was working towards. "While we acknowledge that many people are sceptical about climate change, or more specifically about what is causing it, there is no doubt that the weather patterns are changing from what we knew decades ago," he said.
"It's critical that everyone in the region starts to think about how they can prepare for the changes ahead. NACC has a primary role in assisting in doing that. To do this, I'm keen on is ensuring that people understand what we can do as individuals, and supporting large scale initiatives such as the new wind farm."
Mr King stressed that people who wanted information could contact NACC as the peak body in the region.,. We don't profess to know all the answers," he said. "No-one does, but we'll certainly try and find someone who can talk knowledgeably and share this knowledge with everyone across the region."
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