Margaret River Shire switches to green wind farm energy

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is pinning its net zero emissions target on a widescale shift to renewables and green energy. In a statement this week, the Shire’s sustainability wing announced a new green power contract brokered through the WA Local Government Association would access electricity from wind farms in Albany, Emu Downs and Collgar. While green power was abandoned early last decade as too expensive, the new arrangement would offset the Shire’s biggest energy-purchasing account. “A key action in our Climate Action Plan is the purchase of green power,” sustainability planning officer Katie Biggs said. “Shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy is the single biggest step the Shire can make towards achieving its 2030 net zero target.” The new agreement covered about 65 per cent of the local government’s power needs. Next on the agenda was switching some smaller Shire sites as well as street lighting to green power as well. Future stages of the plan would likely involve reviewing energy efficiency options and buying more electric vehicles for the Shire’s fleet. Sustainable development and infrastructure director Nick Logan said the new green power deal was “a significant step forward”. “We know that reducing our carbon emissions is a vital issue for our community and we’ll do everything we can to drive our emissions down,” he said. “We’re determined to continue to find new and innovative ways to support positive climate action. “By working together with other local governments across the State, our Shire will benefit from reduced costs due to the ability to pool our purchasing power.”The Shire has invested in photo-voltaic systems on major venues including the Margaret River Library, the works depot, and the Shire’s headquarters on Wallcliffe Road. The Shire first bought green power under chief executive James Trail, but in 2011 former chief Gary Evershed withdraw from the contracts which involved carbon offsets. The Shire came in for flack for switching back to coal-fired electricity while also fighting against a proposed coal mine identified for Osmington. Buying green power was first proposed by the Shire’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, which was officially reformed last week after several years out of action.