Wangaratta’s 2030 Vision of becoming a leader in solar energy came a step closer with Wangaratta Unlimited’s monthly board meeting on Wednesday 6 May 2009.

Renewable Energy Project

They have recommended that the RCoW scope out a consultant’s brief for a broader feasibility study into renewable energy opportunities and seek out relevant funding to support their study.  The consultant is from a Melbourne based solar energy consultancy group with a concept for a “Solar Farm” to be established at North Wangaratta.   The council is expected to “note” the report which does’nt really advance it beyond an idea at this time.

However, if you pay rates to the Rural City of Wangaratta, you are invited to apply before 30th June for the Federal Government subsidy.  It seems that the RCoW is serious about meeting its 2030 vision as the centre of soar energy in Victoria.

The Chronicle reported,

Get $8,000 subsidy on Solar Energy before 30 June

RESIDENTS are now able to have solar power installed in their houses at a discount rate, after the Rural City of Wangaratta signed up to a Federal Government scheme.

Launched this week across nine rural Victoria municipalities, the program will enable residents to install a 1kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the substantially reduced cost of approximately $2000.

The Pure Local Energy Project, which is facilitated by the Northeast Greenhouse Alliance (NEGHA) on behalf of participating local governments, complements the Federal Government’s Solar Homes and Communities Plan Rebate which provides financial support of up to $8000 ($8 per watt) for installing a 1 kW PV system.

“By participating in the Northeast Greenhouse Alliance and supporting this project the Wangaratta Rural City Council is assisting to deliver our community’s 2030 Vision for a healthy environment,” rural city mayor, Ron Webb said.

“We encourage residents to consider this excellent opportunity to generate clean, green, solar power while these generous rebates are available.“

The offer is only available for the next five weeks as the Australian Government’s solar panel rebate of $8000 expires on June 30, 2009.

To gain maximum benefit from the project, residents should be home owner-occupiers, have at least eight square metres (eg 2 x 4m) of un-shaded, north-facing roof, and have a household taxable income of less than $100,000.

Interested residents can attend information sessions being held by the Rural City of Wangaratta with Solar Shop Australia. They are on Friday, May 29 12pm – 1pm, and 6pm to 7pm, at the Committee Room, Wangaratta Government Centre.

Wodonga resident wants council meetings filmed

Posted ABC Online Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:35am AEDT

A Wodonga resident has accused the council of restricting public access to what is said in council meetings.

Unsuccessful council candidate Kieran Bennett wants to film the meetings, and post the video on the internet.

The council has refused his request, saying it is inappropriate and audio recording of meetings is against its local law.

But Mr Bennett says all residents have a right to know what happens in the meetings.

“They are actively restricting the public’s access to what’s being said,” he said.

“Wodonga council doesn’t even record the meetings for their own purposes, they don’t even have a microphone system installed if they were to decide we wanted to record what’s going on.

“That’s why as a member of the public I said, ‘well it won’t cost you anything, I have all the equipment’.”

COMMENT:

It is good to see the younger generation getting involved with local government.  However, it is not so good to see our elected representatives denying us alternative access to their public meetings.

We should all get behind this young man and help him fight for our democratic rights at the local government level.  He has the tenacity to follow it through and, with a bit of support, will make it happen.

Kieran wants to provide Internet access to a streaming video of ordinary council meetings.  Whilst there is nothing to prevent him filming the meeting, a local by-law prevents him from recording the sound.  In this day of social networking, what could be more democratic than the council publishing their public meetings online.

You should read this Blog on the procedures the council goes to let ratepayers ask a question of council.  It is a draconian attempt to keep the electorate at arms length.

Through his Blog The Border Journal BLOG, Kieran is determined to bring some democracy back into the ‘democratically elected bureaucracy’ that is Wodonga Council.  He is offering sound ideas and has the tenacity to make it happen – but he needs your help. You can subsribe to his posts by clicking this link.

Go to his site and read his posts on the Wodonga Council and, I am sure, you will become a supporter of Kieran’s ideals – not only for the sake of Wodonga but also for the sake of local government throughout Victoria.  Go Kieran!