Club is saving twice over

Bayside Leader
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 6

Half Moon Bay Lifesaving Club is a shining light when it comes to conserving energy and leading by example. It is believed the 400- member club is the first in Victoria to install solar panels to generate its electricity. Club member Mark Slykhuis said the club's prominent location on the Black Rock foreshore served as a visual example of clean energy use.

"What we are trying to do is bring about change at a community level," Mr Slykhuis said. "Hopefully we can inspire people to make real changes and look at clean energy alternatives." The club was influenced by the Tathra, NSW club, which has installed solar panels and a wind turbine. Mr Slykhuis said it was hoped the panels would generate enough electricity to meet the club's power needs. Any excess energy not immediately used would be routed to the general power grid at a wholesale rate.

Mr Slykhuis said the project would not have been possible without the support of Bayside Council, which provided $5000, and Sandringham Community Bendigo Bank, which contributed $6000. Black Rock company Beyond Building provided the solar panels and contributed $5000, he said. "The plan is what we can save on the cost of electricity we can put towards lifesaving training and equipment," he said.