Please note: this is an old article
It was published in July 2013, so the information may be out-of-date.
Goulburn Broken Greenhouse Alliance will receive $2.95 Million of funding from the Australian Government towards the ‘Watts Working Better’ project through the Community Energy Efficiency Program.
The alliance is made up of Benalla, Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Mansfield, Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Strathbogie and partner Wangaratta Councils.
The project involves changing 12,661 street lights to more energy efficient alternatives, reducing energy use by 3,644,863 kWh per year. This will contribute to a reduction in greenhouse emissions by 85,700 tonnes over 20 years and a projected cost saving of $782,921 per year across the nine councils.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Jenny Houlihan said Greater Shepparton is the lead council for the project.
"It is great that all nine councils worked together to receive $2.95 Million dollars to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the community." Cr Houlihan said.
"The project will see the street lights changed to more energy efficient street lights that are also brighter and last longer. This will help save money as councils will not have to replace street lights as often.
"The project will take a period of time keeping in mind more than twelve thousand street lights need to be changed".
All nine councils involved in the project will also contribute council funding to the project with the overall project cost $4.68 Million dollars, saving councils over $15.6 Million over a 20 year period.
Watts Working Better has the greatest potential for energy and greenhouse savings of any efficiency project within each council operations.
More information can be found on the Department of Recources, Energy and Tourism website.