By Jessica Micallef
Volunteer committees in Lancefield and Riddells Creek have received a solar power boost.
Volunteer community groups at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute, Lancefield Recreation Reserve and Riddells Creek Mechanics Institute can install solar PV systems as part of the state government’s Solar on Public Buildings Program.
More than 220 volunteer committees will be supported through round one of the $9.2 million initiative that was announced in May last year
The program will provide local jobs with accredited regional contractors to be appointed from a panel of approved providers.
Lancefield Mechanics Institute committee of management president John Sevenson said he was looking forward to having solar panels installed at the institute.
“The committee is very excited about this success and is so grateful to all those who helped put together our application, especially the Renewable Energy Action Group team, part of the Macedon Ranges Sustainable Group,” he said.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said there had been a high level of interest in the program from eligible committees in the Macedon Ranges since applications opened in August last year.
She said successful committees were selected through a robust assessment process following an initial expression of interest.
“This is a terrific outcome for the community, the environment and our hardworking volunteer committees at Lancefield Mechanics Institute, Lancefield Park and Riddells Creek Mechanics Institute,” she said.
“Local committees of management on public land are the backbone of small communities, which often have limited capacity to raise funds for their venues. This initiative is not only helping these committees to survive, but to thrive in the future.”
The first round of projects will enable work at selected sites to get underway, starting with an energy audit and electrical upgrades if necessary ahead of the solar installation.
