Richmond Valley Council is going green. The council, in partnership with Nickel Energy, has completed the installation of 40 kilowatts of solar systems on council buildings during the past six months. Partial funding for one of the systems was provided through the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. “In addition to providing a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and protection against rises in energy costs, we are looking forward to a healthy 11% per annum return on our investment,” council general manager Brian Wilkinson said. Each of the systems would be net metered resulting in an approximate savings for council in avoided energy costs of about $1.3 million over 30 years, he said.

Mayor Col Sullivan said: “This investment delivers a strong message to the Richmond Valley community that council is serious about sustainability and economic efficiency”. Meanwhile, the Kyogle Council was embracing plans for a more energy efficient future by considering installing solar panels on council buildings in the town. The council identified four possible sites to fit solar panels, including the swimming pool where the electricity costs hit more than $24,000 last year. The pool ran filtration, chlorination and pumping machinery, and the council projected power costs, without installing solar, would rise to almost $47,000 a year by 2015.

The council estimated the cost of installing a solar system at the pool was about $50,000, but said savings of more than $100,000 could be achieved over four years. “There will be financial benefits in the form of reduced power costs and environmental benefits in the form of a more environmentally friendly power source,” council general manager Arthur Piggott said. Anyone wanting further information on the Richmond Valley council’s solar power program, should phone the sustainability officer Derek MacKenzie on 6660 0393.