Community to reap rewards from new solar system at sporting precinct

Published on 02 August 2021

Mildura Rural City Council has secured $95,000 for a solar PV system at the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct (MSRSP) which will deliver flow-on financial benefits to a local community group for the next 10 years.

As part of the 10-year arrangement the Sunraysia Sustainability Network (SSN) will receive 50% of the annual financial savings generated by the solar PV system.

This will support SSN’s important work driving sustainable behaviour change in the local community.

Funded by Sustainability Victoria’s Community Power Hubs program, the project is among several implementation-ready community energy projects being delivered throughout the Loddon Mallee in partnership with the Bendigo Sustainability Group (BSG).

Councillor for Environment and Sustainability Jodi Reynolds said the solar PV system, to be installed on the precinct’s stadium, would be operational by the end of this year.

“This is a great result for our region’s largest and newest sporting precinct, for our environment, and for our community,” Cr Reynolds said.

“It will shave thousands of dollars from the precinct’s energy costs, it will further reduce our electricity demand from the grid, and best of all, it will help the hard-working members of the Sunraysia Sustainability Network continue their important work for the next 10 years.”

The SSN is the driving force behind the Mildura Eco Village next to the Mildura Landfill, the hub of environmental education and sustainable living for the community.

SSN President Krister Jonsson said the group is excited to be partnering with Council and the BSG on the project.

“The project will enable us to continue raising awareness about sustainable living in our community through the Mildura Eco Village” Mr Jonsson said.

ENDS