Vol. 20 18 No. No. 28 27 Vol.
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Wednesday, Wednesday, January January 13, 24, 2016 2018 COLOUR FUN: Horsham district teenagers have participated in a second ‘Colour War’ as part of a Horsham Rural City Council Youth Changing Alcohol Norms, CAN, project. The Colour War involved teenagers using coloured powder as part of activities at Horsham’s May Park, and presenting a human lettering display to promote the project. Pictured from left are Lily Materne, Allison Pannan and Kaylee Dumesny among the action. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Power potential T
BY DEAN LAWSON
he potential of the WimmeraMallee playing a key role in efforts to establish Victorian electricity security sits at government planning crossroads.
While developers are pushing ahead with major renewable-energy projects across Australia, the industry remains hamstrung in the far west of Victoria by a lack of adequate electrical infrastructure. Some developers, armed with a clear understanding of solar and wind potential in the region, are creatively making the most of opportunities. Others have downgraded or mod-
IN THIS ISSUE
ified plans because power lines do not have the capacity to carry enough electricity. Meanwhile, during the heat of summer and a drain on power supplies, debate rages about Victoria’s ability to guarantee electricity security on the back of renewable energy. Wimmera Development Association, in identifying the electricityinfrastructure issue in response to renewable-energy-firm interest in the region, has been lobbying for action for the past 12 months. Association executive director Ralph Kenyon said it was clear that the Wimmera and southern Mallee
could provide an integral piece of the Victorian power-supply jigsaw. “We’re constantly hearing debate about energy security as the nation moves towards renewable sources and this is something that involves what’s happening in our own back yard,” he said. “If renewable-energy development in our region has the opportunity to continue as we expect, our part of the world will play a key role in helping develop Victorian energy security. “In other words, when talking about future power security, much of the discussion will be about our region. We have a big part to play. But – and
Soon as possible
Mr Kenyon said investigations into the capacity of Wimmera infrastructure to carry power to the Victorian grid needed to happen and quickly come up with answers. “There is continued discussion about
what is required and we will continue to work with government and other agencies to try to secure a long-term energy-production future for the region,” he said. “Obviously we would like to see these improvements sooner rather than later. “It is obviously a major hurdle and one that is well recognised by the government and by the private sector. The sooner it can happen the better. “Apart from energy security, we are also primed through this industry to be in a position to provide jobs and longterm stability for the region.”
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there is a big ‘but’ here – governments must act and confirm development of infrastructure in the region. “We’re ready and the region is already embracing alternative energy production and supply opportunities as has been demonstrated at places such as Murra Warra, Warracknabeal, Ararat, Stawell, Kiata and Horsham district.”
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