Clubs see sun, light

Manly Daily
Wednesday 19/9/2007 Page: 9

Manly's surf clubs are set to become solar power showcases under a new council plan. South Steyne, North Steyne and Queenscliff will be some of the first surf clubs in the state to be partially run on green power. The initiative will cost around $25,000 per surf club to install less any grants the clubs can secure. The solar power will cover the clubs' hot water needs. But according to Manly Mayor Peter Macdonald, who proposed the plan, it is money well spent. "It is a combination of showcasing environmental technology in positions between Queenscliff and South Steyne and it results in significant uptake by surrounding residents," Cr Macdonald said.

A similar project was recently piloted by south coast surf club Tathra and in addition to significant power savings 800 residents subsequently installed solar energy, Cr Macdonald said. Simon Fry, president of North Steyne Surf Club which turns 100 in November, was ecstatic with the prospect of going solar. "It is terrific. Really, it is going to help everyone out," he said. "The bills are going to be smaller, which helps any volunteer organisation out." Mr Fry said the club had tried to get solar panelling installed 10 years ago but the proposal was rejected due to heritage concerns. "It is good to see that this council is forward thinking enough to see these sorts of things come first." he said. Heritage concerns will be taken into account but will combine both the new technology and the historic buildings. The use of wind turbines will also be investigated in order to make the clubs run completely on green power.