How this council will go 100% energy renewable

LISMORE City Council is now on its way to self-generating all of its electricity needs from renewable resources by 2023.

LISMORE City Council is now on its way to self-generating all of its electricity needs from renewable resources by 2023.

Tenders were awarded for Australia's first community funded, council operated solar farms.

Lismore City Council at last night's meeting award the tenders for two 99kv solar projects to Rainbow Power Company and to Suntrix Commercial.

The projects will be seeking funding from the community funding entity Farming the Sun.

Local solar pioneers Nimbin Rainbow Power Company scored the tender for 5 various council buildings:

• Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre 99kW Solar Farm - (Lismore Community Solar Farm).
• Goonellabah Community Centre - 10kW.
• Lismore Library - 20kW.
• Oakes Oval Gordon Pavilion - 10kW.
• Wyrallah Road Depot - 30kW.

Council also awarded the contract for T2016-10 Floating Solar PV System at East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant to Suntrix Commercial Pty Ltd for the amount of $268,330 (exclusive of GST).

Staff recommended that considering the significant constraints of all the proposed land or roof space options, the pond at the South of the STP is considered to be the most suitable location for the 99.9kW solar PV System.

Our Sustainable Future candidate Elly Bird was first to comment about the significance of the tenders.

"These projects represent a significant step in the journey towards our community co-creating a sustainable future we can be proud of," Ms Bird said.

"Farming the Sun and Lismore Community Solar will see Australia's first community funded, council operated solar farms.

"In addition the floating solar array is only the second of its kind approved in Australia.

"The community funding model that has been created by Starfish Enterprises is a template that can be used by Lismore and many other communities.

"Our community is engaged and enthusiastic about supporting council to develop these renewable energy projects this is reflected in the fact that both the companies making the loans to council are fully subscribed.

"I hope we see more community partnerships like this happen in coming years."