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March 29, 2024

Plan to cover council roofs with solar panels mooted

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Greens Senator Larissa Waters. Photo supplied
Greens Senator Larissa Waters. Photo supplied

A bold Greens plan that could see all council buildings and infrastructure around the country fitted with rooftop solar panels so councils can cut their power bills and save ratepayers money is being launched today.

The plan allows solar companies to install solar panels on council property in a mutal exchange to cut power costs.

Australian Greens deputy leader and climate change spokesperson, Qld Senator Larissa Waters, will discuss the plan at the Solar Citizens Political Forum at 11.30 am QUT Gardens Point today.

‘Council can offer up the roofs of its libraries, swimming pool buildings and bus depots, in exchange for cheaper power bills,’ Senator Waters said.

‘This is an example of the proactive, positive work forward-thinking local governments can do to be part of the solar-powered economy,’ she said.

Queensland Greens’ Brisbane lord-mayoral candidate, Ben Pennings, said the Greens’ ‘Shading Our Suburbs’ Plan would also invite tenders for new structures for solar panels that create shade.

‘For example, solar companies could build solar panel shade structures for car parks at council’s swimming pools to run the power-hungry pumps,’ Mr Pennings said.

‘It will mean fewer families getting into hot cars after cooling off at the pool,’ he said.

‘With solar technology, including battery storage, developing so rapidly, this is a chance to provide more local jobs in the solar industry.

‘Residents tell us shade is desperately needed over walkways and bikeways throughout the suburbs.

‘Our plan is a great opportunity to encourage active transport, reduce congestion and save ratepayers money too,’ Mr Pennings said.

 


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