Lily powers solar

By Lachlan Ellis

Finally, the Minister for Energy and all things Environment and Climate Change has stepped foot on Moorabool land, but it was not an announcement for the overhead high voltage transmission line project.
Lily D’Ambrosio arrived at the Bostock Reservoir (Ballan) site to announce that a State Government program has provided $100,000 for local Traditional Owners, to boost solar power generation and cut power costs.
The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) received the funding for a 15kW – 48kWH solar battery system at Bostock Reservoir, and a 7.4kW – 13kWh system in Ballarat.
The 54-hectare site at Bostock was sold to the WTOAC by Barwon Water in 2019, and is host to a growing nursery maintained full-time by Wadawurrung staff.
Central Ward Councillor Paul Tatchell greeted Ms D’Ambrosio as she visited the local Reservoir on Friday 11 March, welcomed by Wadawurring CEO Paul Davis, and members.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the funding was a great way to provide First Nations peoples with energy security and economic independence, and also cut carbon emissions.
“You are the first not only to receive the grant, but also have put it to its use, fulfilling your plans to have a solar array here on the roof, but also the one on your office in Ballarat. I really want to give you great credit for not just letting the grass grow under your feet,” she said.
“We know that renewable energy plays a practical role here in Ballan in giving you a more secure energy supply. It also means you save money that can be put to other more practical and productive uses, other than paying big bills to an energy company.”
The Minister was also asked her thoughts on undergrounding the proposed Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP), and on the tractor rally held by Stop AusNet’s Towers on Tuesday 8 March.
“I certainly understand and appreciate that there are very strong opinions on that project. The opinions differ, they’re not all the same. I think what’s really important with big infrastructure projects, or projects like this one that is undergoing an EES, that the community takes full advantage of that,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-03-15

in the 15 March 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.