- Published:
- Thursday 15 December 2016
Five Victorian country racing clubs will use solar power to reduce energy costs as part of a $656,000 project announced today by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Government is contributing almost $328,000 towards the project, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund. Racing Victoria is providing more than $65,000 and the participating clubs are providing more than $260,000.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula visited the Echuca Racing Club today which is one of five clubs to install a solar power system. Sale Turf Club, Swan Hill Jockey Club, Werribee Racing Club and Yarra Valley Racing will also install solar power grid stations.
Echuca received almost $27,000 to install its 30-kilowatt solar power system which is expected to halve the club’s annual power bill by almost $12,000.
The decision to opt for solar power follows a review by Racing Victoria to determine the most cost-effective method for providing electricity to operate racing venues across the state.
Any excess electricity generated at Echuca and Swan Hill will be fed into the national power grid, while on-site storage systems will be installed at Sale, Werribee and Yarra Valley.
The racing industry in the Goulburn region generates more than $227 million for the Victorian economy and helps to sustain more than 2240 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“It’s fantastic to see the racing industry taking steps to install solar power systems at clubs across the state.”
“This renewable energy initiative will help clubs to slash their power bills and contribute to the national power grid.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Steve Herbert
“We’re pleased to support these important local clubs which are making the change to solar power. It will help them to bring down their costs and invest more in events for the community.”
Quotes attributable to Echuca Racing Club Manager Leigh Newton
“We thank the Government for its ongoing financial support, and we’re excited that we are now obtaining most of our electricity needs through solar power.”
“Not only will we be able to halve our power bill, but we will also be able to contribute to the wider community by supplying excess electricity into the national power grid.”