Friday 28 July 2006

Morawa's sustainable future

Midwest Times, Page: 6
Thursday, 27 July 2006

MORAWA has taken a step forward in replacing the region's ageing electricity infrastructure by investigating a range of alternative sustainable energy resources.

The excessive cost of replacing the old power system, which has proved unreliable in the past, prompted the Morawa Shire, along with the Wongan-Ballidu, Dalwallinu and Gingin Shires, to look into the advantages of solar and wind energy. Morawa Shire CEO Gavin Treasure said there were concerns in the town that the current 40-year-old power supply did not allow for regional growth.

"The town cannot possibly grow. Even if million dollar projects were lined up to locate here the quantities of power supply, line capacity and infrastructure won't allow it," he said. Mr Treasure said there would be rich flow on benefits for the community from using solar or wind powered energy. He said the initiative would allow Morawa to have 24-hour reliable power, resulting in cost savings and adequate light for sporting and recreational facilities and hospitals."

"The provision of a locally driven and financed energy supply system would provide opportunities for local investment, employment, innovation and wealth creation," he said.

"In effect, revenues would be kept local and reinvested into the community creating additional economic activity and associated returns."There would even be potential for excess power generation to be on-sold on a commercial basis back into the grid."The four Shires have submitted an application for funding to employ a project manager who would investigate local options and the potential of an integrated sustainable energy system. They would also weigh up the technical feasibility and scope for each Shire and explore tailor made systems for each user community.

Following community consultation and acceptance, the project manager would lobby for State and Federal Government support for the projects."For any community in rural and regional locations, this system bodes well for development, modernisation, staying ahead of growing dependency on electricity and reliability of power supply," Mr Treasure said. "This innovative project is the only way to go; we all deserve a clean and healthy lifestyle."

0 comments: