Campaigning on a platform of “common sense”, Fraser Coast Regional Council mayoral hopeful Chris Loft say he will initiate a solar farm feasibility study if elected.
“There are many issues on the Fraser Coast Region; none of which are more important than rising energy prices,” says Cr. Loft; who also points to issues with unreliable delivery of electricity.
The councillor states the construction of a solar farm within the region’s boundaries could provide savings for Council of around 15%, freeing up hundreds of thousands of dollars in working capital that could be redirected to other community needs.
In addition to savings, creating jobs and a more robust electricity supply, Cr. Loft says benefits for the region would include “the ability to portray the Fraser Coast Council as an environmentally friendly and green community, compatible with our magnificent natural environment.”
The Fraser Coast sits within the Great Sandy Biosphere, which is part of a world network of Biosphere Reserves.
The proposed feasibility study would include profiling the electricity consumption of Council and major consumers of electricity in the Shire; determining total Shire electricity consumption, potential locations for the facility and the most appropriate technology, e.g. solar panels, CPV or solar thermal + storage.
Cr. Loft believes now is a good time for a major solar power project.
“Both the Federal and State Governments are keen to be seen to assist such renewable energy projects. This means that funds would be forthcoming from both these sources, instead of being all passed on to the Region’s ratepayers,” he states.
Grabbing a pot ‘o money may not quite be a slam-dunk as Sunshine Coast Council recently discovered when the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) refused an $11 million funding application for a solar farm in its region – but perhaps Fraser Coast could draw from that council’s experience.
The Fraser Coast Council incorporates Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island – and towns including Maryborough, Burrum Heads, Hervey Bay and Brooweena.
Queensland is Australia’s leading state in terms of total solar capacity and it also has the highest number of small scale solar power systems – more than 460,000 installations.
