More than 13 community facilities in south west Victoria have been approved for solar installations as part of the Victorian Government’s $9.2 million Solar on Public Buildings Program.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said solar panels are already popping up across the region with 5 installs completed by local certified solar installers.
The program is being rolled out across the state over the next two years, with more than 300 public buildings in Victoria being assessed for suitability for a solar installation – providing an economic boost to local energy auditors and installers.
Many community groups in the region are already seeing cost savings thanks to a reduction in their power bills, including:
- Simpson Recreation Reserve
- Tyrendarra Recreation Reserve – Sports Pavilion
- Nelson CoM Reserves (Kywong Caravan Park)
- Casterton Old Courthouse
- Port Campbell Recreation Reserve – Community Hall
- Allansford Recreation Reserve
- Birregurra Recreation Reserve
- Forrest Public Hall
- Hexham Recreation reserve
- Tarrone Rec Reserve Hall
- Timboon Recreation Reserve
- Wangoom Memorial Hall
- Woorndoo Recreation Reserve
More than 200 energy audits − the first step in the design of a solar system − have been carried out on selected sites around the state.
An energy monitoring module will be integrated into the design to monitor solar system performance in real time and battery installations will be considered for some sites.
The program was first trialled in Gippsland from 2017 to 2019 and led to solar systems being installed on 69 public buildings on public land, reducing power bills by an average of 81 per cent.
The Solar on Public Buildings Program covers the cost of site assessments and the supply and installation of solar power PV systems on public buildings managed by volunteers on DELWP managed Land.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“This is a great example of how we’re delivering real action on climate change in regional Victoria by investing in local projects that will help communities build thriving and sustainable futures.”
“It is a terrific outcome for communities, the environment and our hardworking volunteer committees who are the backbone of our small communities across Western Victoria.”
“It is wonderful to see so many local volunteer committees of management benefiting from a program that helps them reduce costs and helps us tackle climate change.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Our strong investment in renewable energy and solar panels is creating local jobs, reducing power bills and helping us achieve our ambitious emissions reduction targets.”