Agencies and groups across the Northern Rivers are taking action to build a resilient and sustainable energy system, through demonstration projects, research, advocacy, blueprints for action, systems support and education.
Demonstrating affordable and sustainable building, housing and living.
Analysis of opportunities for public, private and community investment in renewable energy projects.
In December 2014 Council adopted a Renewable Energy Master Plan with a goal to self-generate all our electricity from renewable source by 2023.
In January 2018, Lismore City Council and Farming the Sun officially launched the Lismore Community Solar initiative – the first Council/community owned solar farm in the country including Australia’s largest floating solar farm.
Economic modelling shows that offering a Local Network Charge has an overall positive economic benefit and can encourage dispatchable renewably generated power for the benefit of the local grid.
Adopted in 2019, Council’s commitment to net-zero operations was closely followed by the development and adoption of the more detailed Net Zero Emissions Action Plan.
A detailed feasibility business case is underway for a large scale ground-mounted solar farm at the Resource Recovery Centre at Myocum.
A 0.5 MW facility is proposed to supply renewable energy from organic green waste for the Byron Bay Sewage Treatment Plant and produce compost.
Byron Shire Council has installed two EV charging stations. One DC charger is located in Byron Bay, installed in 2017, and the other is a level 2 charger located under Council’s 99 KW solar carpark in Mullumbimby.
Plans to power the Tyalgum community from their own renewable energy sources.
Council hosts regular free energy events providing simple, low cost tips to support the community to reduce electricity costs, improve the comfort of their homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Check out Council’s Sustainable Living webpage for local inspiration, knowledge, tips and suppliers for sustainable homes and living.
Ballina Shire Council has had a strong history of climate change action within its own operations and the wider community. The new 2020 Climate Change policy sets organisational emissions reduction targets, and provides a framework for progressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies for Council and the community. Ballina Shire Council has committed to 100% renewable electricity and net zero emissions for its operations by 2030
Zero Emissions Byron actively promotes the uptake of EV’s and provides information for the community to make the switch.
Zero Emissions Byron works with the community to inspire local emissions reduction: ZEB Stories of Low Carbon Living