Solar can store power and save on bills in any conditions. Photo: File.
Torres, Cook and Pormpuraaw Aboriginal shire councils will share in excess of $1 million to help establish more solar systems and reduce energy bills.
Diesel to Daylight: Torres Shire Council’s clean energy transition has secured our region’s most sizeable piece of the pie in the Federal Government’s $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund.
The council will install solar energy systems on three high-use facilities: the Thursday Island Works Depot, the Thursday Island Sports Stadium, and the Horn Island Sports Stadium.
The $447,331 grant will help reduce bills, improve resilience and cut emissions.
Cook Shire Council will install two solar systems at community facilities – Cooktown Events Centre and Bloomfield Hall – as part of its $306,078 grant.
Designed to reduce emissions and electricity costs, the systems will also improve resilience following natural disasters.
Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $256,735 to install solar panels on council residential properties to reduce costs while feeding excess energy back into the grid and decreasing the impact on Traditional land.
The three councils are among 12 in Queensland to benefit from the statewide share of $4.3 million to upgrade much-loved community facilities with energy-efficient technology.
Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, Kate Thwaites said local governments were on the front line of climate impacts – “from floods to heatwaves”.
“By investing in clean energy, we’re helping them build resilience and keep their communities strong,” she said.
“Whether it’s a pool, a library or a sports ground, these projects show how practical climate action can save money today and protect communities for the future.”
