A new group has been set up to help the Hardys Bay, Killcare, Killcare Heights, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe community develop a plan to cut carbon emissions.
Electrify Bouddi will bring community members together to discuss a local community battery and a solar farm and to design and implement a plan that will assist households and local businesses to move away from reliance on fossil fuels.
The group will also develop easy-to-digest information on how household renewable energy systems work, so residents understand what electricians are saying when they are considering moving to solar, or a battery or an electric vehicle.
Local resident and Electrify Bouddi spokesperson Jeremy Cox said the group aimed to bring the community together in the important effort to reduce use of fossil fuels and anyone interested can become a member for free.
“It’s our people who will form the foundation of this community energy project—everyone interested is invited,” he said.
“Climate change can be an opportunity for us to come together and decide how we want to structure our energy supply in the community.
“That might involve a new community operated solar farm or battery—with returns going back into our community.
“As a community we will all have the right information at hand when the time comes to make decisions about a new hot water system, or moving away from gas – and even a new EV.
“Through this experience and the connections we make, we can become an even stronger, more resilient community.”
Cox said young people would be central to the decision-making and would be empowered to lead local initiatives in response to climate change.
“This initiative is designed to bring us all together to decide the best approach for our community,” he said.
“It includes a series of working groups which anyone can join.”
The working groups will include:
- Awareness and sharing knowledge – about access to and solutions for energy issues;
- Community – including community battery, solar farm, demand bidding and other exciting projects;
- Home – the most streamlined decarbonisation journey for our households and local businesses;
- and Festival – a celebration of community energy with local music, stalls and food.
Cox encouraged all interested residents to register at electrifybouddi.org, join a working group (to commence in November) and consider joining the Steering Committee.
For more information email jmfcox7@bigpond.com
Source:
Electrify Bouddi