Forum to gauge interest in potential Thurgoona solar project
Thurgoona could be the next community in the region to join the renewable energy movement with a forum hoped to gauge support for a potential project.The Thurgoona Community Action Group are hosting the event with Albury Council on Thursday.
Guest speakers Matthew Charles-Jones of Totally Renewable Yackandandah, Bobbi McKibbin from Renewable Albury-Wodonga and Mark Judd, Mondo Power community energy projects manager will be speaking about the projects happening in the region.
It’s hoped the forum will gauge the level of interest in creating a project in Thurgoona, and identify community members wishing to further investigate options.
TCAG co-chair Bridget O’Connor said the idea had come about in Autumn.“It was put forward by David Sexton, a member of the action group, as a proactive idea,” she said. “The forum is really to provide an opportunity for the community to discuss whether it is a concept they would like to run with and to explore different ideas for a renewable energy program.”
Mondo Power, part of AusNet Services, has helped facilitate the Totally Renewable Yackandandah project and a trial of a community mini-grid. RAW is close to finalising a business case following a $100,000 feasibility study, identifying a developer-community partnership as the best way forward.
Ms O'Connor said the speakers would also be answering questions from the audience.
“They are all well-informed and able to provide us with information both at a community level and an economic and social level as well,” she said.“I think the responsiveness of communities to the need for increased investment in renewables to help address issues of cost and access to power has been great.”
The forum will be held at the Thurgoona Golf Club on Thursday, November 30 from 6.30pm to 8pm. To RSVP go to OurThurgoona.eventbrite.com.au or by calling 0434 967 897.