Solar power offers
Warrandyte Climate Action Now (CAN) has been investigating opportunities available for solar power installation.
"Warrandyte residents can install a 1kw solar power system for $2000," CAN president Wayne Rankin told the Diary.
"Ecosmart, an independent company providing residential sustainability consulting services, through their Solar Smart package, can offer residents a package deal."
According to Mr Rankin, this deal involves Ecosmart preparing and submitting all the necessary paperwork for the $8000 federal government rebate, as well as conducting a home energy and water audit prior to the installation of a 1kw system with inverter.
"The audit will provide households with possible ways of reducing power and water consumption," Mr Rankin said.
Rebecca Lee from Ecosmart will present the Solar Smart program at Edendale Farm, Gastons Road, Eltham on Wednesday, July 30 at 7pm.
To be eligible for the program and to receive a government rebate, your taxable income for the year must be less than $100,000 and you must own and reside permanently in the house where the solar system will be installed.
"Residents interested in this offer should come to the information session, with your recent power bill, rates notice, driver's licence and a photo of your roof," Wayne Rankin said. "Some Warrandyte residents attended Ecosmart's presentation last month and several have signed up already."
For further information visit the website.
- Manningham council has organised a similar deal, thanks to a bulk purchasing program facilitated by council. This project is limited to 200 households. Call 9840 9129 or email eepadmin@manningham.vic.gov.au for information.
Talkfest at community centre
Local residents are being invited to have their say at a function organised by the Warrandyte Community Centre Supporters Group.
Entitled "The Warrandyte Community Conversation" the event will be held at the community centre on Friday, July 25, running from 7pm "until late".
"Early in the evening, participants will be encouraged to describe how they see the centre running at its optimum," Supporters Group secretary, Peter Burns, told the Diary. This discussion will be facilitated by Bruce Turner.
The group has already conducted research with local community leaders and organisations "in order to present feedback at the beginning of the meeting.
"The Supporters Group runs the community centre on behalf of us all. Our role is to interpret the community's expectations: to build the centre's reputation as a welcoming place; to offer diverse services and programs and to maximise use of the facility in the interests of the people of Warrandyte.
"We need to know what people want: mums and dads, kids, professionals, people who need help--everybody."
Facilitator Bruce Turner will encourage people to think about the "positive qualities of the centre, and assist capturing the spirit of the Warrandyte community.
"The Diary is a rich record of our wonderful township and the challenges we face in keeping our 'spirit of place'," Mr Burns said.
"Our community centre is also special--it's our place! More than 18,600 people live within 10 minutes of the centre. We want to ensure the centre is used and valued by people who live in and around our township."
Following the discussion program, the organisers will be inviting participants to relax and "see the community centre at its best". Local entertainment and food and wine will be on offer.
Participants are encouraged to register prior to the evening and will receive a report summarising community feedback ahead of the meeting. Warrandyte individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the research prior to the event can ring David Dyason on 0418 322 548.