Matt Hartley, Byron Bay.
It is an absolute pleasure to be able to write a letter supporting the reported solar-energy initiatives of Repower Byron and Beyond Zero Emissions. This is exactly what needs to be done. Big solar-thermal units built inland, in combination with the localised use of efficient – and that means unsubsidised – panels.
It must be added that it is essential for the nation to re-focus industrially on energy-technology production, and we must not kid ourselves we are succeeding if we are subsidy (ie tax-dollar) dependent.
We must build our own energy future. End the imports. End the subsidies. Gently but firmly, folks. Since our federal governments are embedded with fossil-fuel industries, and hostile to effective change, it is these local initiatives and businesses supplying them that will create the future.
But having said that, let me finish with delight. Wave energy seems to be progressing nicely, solar is well underway, and the electric vehicle is here to stay. You beauty.