Workshop to shine light on renewable energy

Published on 21 March 2022

A workshop on energy efficiency, household solar and renewable energy options is coming to Camperdown in April. 

Residents are encouraged to attend if they are interested in reducing energy bills, improving the effectiveness of their heating or cooling or considering installing a solar energy system.

Council and Community Power Hub Barwon South West (BSW-CPH) will present ‘Renewables for Corangamite’ on Saturday 2 April.

The event aims to inform residents how they can reduce power bills and transition to a clean energy future.

It will run from 11 am-12:30 pm at the Killara Centre in Camperdown.

Topics will include:

• understanding your power bills

• saving money and reducing your energy usage

• community energy projects - how can your community become involved?

• what does a renewable future mean for you & your community

• and more.

Presenter Keith Reynard is passionate about environmental and sustainability issues and building capacity in local communities.

He recently moved to the Geelong region but for a long time served on a diverse range of community committees in Strathfieldsaye, from the primary school and local cricket club to becoming a City of Greater Bendigo Councillor.

Professionally, he has worked in land capability assessment teams to identify productivity potential and hazard ratings for different soil and land types. 

More recently he has undertaken a Masters in Energy Systems and is currently employed as the Community Energy Leader for the BSW-CPH program supporting local community and not for profit organisations to reduce their energy costs and meet their carbon reduction goals.

“Often we feel powerless as an individual to make a difference, but collectively coming together as a community can have a powerful impact in our transition to a sustainable energy future,” Mr Reynard said.

“The CPH is here to support the Corangamite community meet its needs in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

“What's more, as the prices of finite fuel sources become far more expensive, it is an economical ‘no brainer’ to move to sustainable renewable energy sources.

“As an outcome of this forum, we are wanting to encourage the Corangamite community to think about local community energy projects and how the formation of local groups can help to develop and progress these.”

Mayor Ruth Gstrein invited residents to come to the workshop with an open mind about how they could improve energy use in their home, business and community.

“Advances in technology mean it’s possible to think in new and different ways about where we get our energy,” Cr Gstrein said.

“Are there more economical and environmentally friendly ways to meet our needs? Are the alternatives reliable and secure?

“This information session will present some of the possibilities that might provide workable solutions, cost savings and lower emissions for households, community groups or businesses in our Shire.”

The event is catered with all participants receiving an energy efficient thermometer for their household. 

It is presented by the Community Power Hub which is funded by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.

For more information, please call us on 5593 7100.