Public buildings across the Macedon Ranges may one day be powered by organic waste, as plans develop for a waste-to-energy power station in central Victoria.
A business case is being established for a micro power station in Hepburn shire that would input to an energy network servicing the Macedon Ranges and four neighbouring local government areas.
The state government-funded plan would mean power generated by the new energy network could power council buildings in Macedon Ranges, Ballarat, Hepburn, Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander and Pyrenees.
Organic waste collected by the councils – such as food scraps that would normally go to landfill – would be diverted to generate power for public use.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the project would cut the costs of dumping organic waste in landfills, and would cut energy costs for the councils involved.
“The idea of producing energy from waste is an exciting one – and I look forward to hearing more about it as planning progresses.
“We are determined to grow clean energy jobs and are proud to be rebuilding much-needed confidence in the renewable energy industry following the neglect of Liberal governments at both state and federal levels,” Ms Thomas said.
