Bega Valley Shire Council today agreed to renew its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) to support installation of renewable energy infrastructure on Council assets.
Mayor Fitzpatrick said the five-year MOU will enable CEFE to continue to expand its investment in renewable energy systems on Council-owned assets.
"Council has had MOUs with CEFE since 2013, working with the organisation to achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy in the Bega Valley by 2030," Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
"Our first MOU with CEFE resulted in the installation of solar panels at the Council-owned Tathra Sewage Treatment Plant.
"The energy generated by the solar panels offsets electricity used by the plant and money saved is placed into a fund managed by CEFE for future community projects.
"A subsequent MOU resulted in the installation of solar panels on NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) sheds throughout the shire, with funds earned from solar credits used to support local volunteer Rural Fire Service brigades."
Mayor Fitzpatrick said the work of Clean Energy for Eternity, which was established in 2006, aligns with Council's Clean Energy Plan and Climate Resilience Strategy.
"We are committed to reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions across the shire and support community and industry-led climate adaptation programs," he said.
"CEFE has a national reputation for championing the role of community action to tackle climate change, raising funds through multiple events and broader community engagement.
"It is a great example of how local government can work with its community to tackle key challenges in a positive way."
