Golden Plains goes solar

Golden Plains Shire mayor Helena Kirby, Off-Grid Energy Australia Victoria and Tasmania manager Aaron Lewtas, and Berrybank Wind Farm community engagement officer Nathan Micallef with the new solar panels at the Meredith Community Centre. (Supplied) 254980_01

Ash Bolt

Several Golden Plains Shire buildings are benefiting from a partnership with the Berrybank Wind Farm.

As part of the wind farm’s community engagement and benefit sharing plan, solar panels have been installed on seven shire-managed buildings, including the Inverleigh Early Learning Centre and the Bannockburn Family Services Centre.

The 195 solar panels are expected to reduce the carbon footprint of the community by 98.5 tonnes per year.

The $170,500 solar program from Berrybank Wind Farm’s developers Global Power Generation Australia will also see solar systems installed on low-income housing in the shire.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Helena Kirby said she was pleased to see the panels at the community facilities.

“Council was very pleased to work with Global Power Generation Australia to see seven of our community facilities in Meredith, Scarsdale, Inverleigh, Haddon, Teesdale and Bannockburn go solar,” she said.

“Council is committed to playing our part in reducing the emissions, and it’s great to see our community benefiting with more wind and solar energy thanks to the Berrybank Wind Farm.”

Berrybank Wind Farm community engagement officer Nathan Micallef said GPG was looking to leave a lasting positive impact on the communities surrounding the wind farm.

“In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the installation of rooftop solar systems to local community facilities and low-income housing will significantly decrease their electricity bills,” he said.