Leader to speak on energy opportunity

Apush for the Wimmera to become a leader in national renewable-energy development will spearhead a community forum featuring economics Professor Ross Garnaut.

Wimmera Development Association has invited Professor Garnaut to address the Wimmera community at a forum early next year as part of a regional exploration and assessment of opportunities the rapidly emerging industry presents.

Prof Garnaut, who produced the 2008 Garnaut Climate Change Review for the Federal Government, The Garnaut Review 2011: Australia and the Global Response to Climate Change and is a professional research Fellow of Economics at the University of Melbourne, has released a book called ‘Superpower. Australia’s Low-carbon Opportunity’.

Association executive director Chris Sounness said the Wimmera and southern Mallee were well positioned to make the most of the opportunity an international lean towards and acceptance of renewable-energy production was presenting.

“There is a strong belief, reflected in what is already happening in the landscape, that this industry taking off in Australia is more of a matter of ‘when and where’ instead of ‘if’,” he said.

“And the reality is, based on the natural resources at our disposal, that our part of the world is a potential launching pad for something significant. It’s a matter of getting all the ducks in a row in turning potential into reality.”

Mr Sounness said Prof Garnaut, as an authority on renewable-energy opportunity and its economic potential in Australia, was an ideal person to make a presentation to a Wimmera audience.

He said Prof Garnaut, made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2017 for service on climate change and energy, had also played a key role in a Grampians New Energy Taskforce report.

“We had hoped to present a forum involving Prof Garnaut at Horsham Grains Innovation Park this month but we’re now looking at early in the new year,” he said.

“It’s okay for us to continually chat about what’s happening in the background and what it all might mean, but it is crucial the community gets on board and we can turn the talk into action.

“The average person in the community needs to understand the opportunities and how to ensure the Wimmera and southern Mallee can benefit instead of letting the opportunities slip from the region’s grasp.

“There’s much to be done. Locally, there is a need to ensure we have the infrastructure in place to allow these developments to occur and to understand the planning and implications and what is needed, both regulatory, socially and economically.

“We also need to engage government leaders to ensure that some of the regulations and infrastructure at a national level is in place to take to take advantage of opportunities.”

Mr Sounness said the number of renewable-energy projects on various levels was either growing or primed to grow.

“Some are happening on a relatively small domestic and commercial scales where individuals are tapping into solar benefits. But then there are also large energy farm projects, some underway, some in planning stages and others conceptual that seem to be queueing up,” he said.

“This exploration is more than simply saying we should make this happen, it’s about ensuring we can meet all the requirements – from infrastructure and connectivity, through to providing supporting skilled workforce and community networks.”

Wimmera Development Association is likely to host a forum in partnership with GNET and Agvic.

“When we get it organised we want as many people as possible to come along and build their knowledge about what this is all about,” Mr Sounness said.