Narooma Rotary’s Renewable Energy Expo on Saturday was a great success attracting about 500 people, 80% of whom came from Batemans Bay to Eden.
‘Most exhibitors I spoke to were kept busy with questions, inquiries and sales; the general feedback from visitors was it was a great day giving them valuable information and that they appreciated our initiative,’ said a delighted Narooma Rotary President Bob Aston.
‘Our local Federal Member Dr Mike Kelly who officially opened the Expo was also very impressed.’
Dr Kelly said the economic reasons for getting behind the push to renewable energy are ‘overwhelming’, noting ‘it’s about our children’s future’.
He said the Eden-Monaro electorate had the potential for being the flagship for Australia with renewable energy driven by grassroots’ movements.
‘There’s great world leading stuff happening in Eden Monaro,’ he said, but lamented that so much Australian-designed renewable energy technology was being taken up overseas rather than in Australia.
Dr Kelly also presented prizes to Narooma Public School students who won the poster competition around improved garbage bin lid designs for the school playground.
Mr Aston thanked all exhibitors and sponsors for their generous support.
Above:Renewable Energy Expo coordinator Frank Eden and Narooma Rotary President Bob Aston chat with Member for Eden Monaro Dr Mike Kelly at Saturday’s Expo.
Above: Narooma Public School students Anna Woolnough, Seb Potts and David Manning with teacher Michelle Symons demonstrated the results of a joint environmental project between school students and Narooma Rotary to reduce schoolyard rubbish, with posters outlining the results behind.
Above: Exhibitors were kept busy at the Renewable Energy Expo on Saturday, including Solahart’s Unto Holopainen, left, and Dennis Smith.
Above: With electric vehicles being heralded as the future, the display by Vin Edward of Tathra of his Tesla car at Saturday’s Renewable Energy Expo excited considerable interest as did the temporary EV charging point at the Sport and Leisure Centre.
Energy revolution excites Forum participants
The Renewable Energy Forum at Club Narooma followed the Rotary Renewable Energy Expo on Saturday night with three expert speakers in front of about 60 people.
Mark Shorter of Eurobodalla Shire Council spoke of ‘these exciting times’ and being in an ‘energy revolution’ with homes at the heart of this revolution.
Solar, he said, was the most viable renewable source in our area and by the end of this year, Council will have installed more than 700kW of solar power capacity at 27 council facilities.
Council is investigating the potential of large scale solar farms in the shire.
He said Council is also investigating methane harvesting from council landfills and sewage facilities.
Kylie Hitchman from ClearSky Solar Investments said ‘there is no holding back renewable energy projects’ and that it was possible for energy to be generated 100% from renewables.
She added that increased energy efficiency and energy storage were also part of the equation, and the grid was still essential.
‘We’re seeing more control of power generation at the community level often by community groups partnering with council’, and spoke about investment possibilities in projects around Australia, returning 6-10% p.a.
Richard Kirkwood from Divall's Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage in Goulburn outlined his company’s commitment to sustainable practices which have minimal impact on the environment, and to solar projects, including for their own business and four solar farms.
Divalls employ more than 200 people full time and is the largest employer in Goulburn outside of the Council.
Above: MC of the Renewable Energy Expo Forum on Saturday night David McInnes with Forum speakers Mark Shorter of Eurobodalla Shire Council, Kylie Hitchman of Clear Sky Investments and Richard Kirkwood from Divall's Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage in Goulburn.
