28 October, 2017

An energy-filled discussion at Shepparton round-table

There was no shortage of energy in the room as a local round table offered a platform for discussion on emerging energy technologies and initiatives to drive down power prices floated.

Victoria’s energy minister, businesses championing new energy technologies, those curious about using them and local stakeholders keen to see the region realise its ‘‘solar city’’ potential assembled for one of a series of Victorian new energy technology round tables in Shepparton on Thursday.

Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio -
on the cusp of a major transformation.
About 250 attended the northern Victorian leg workshop, at Shepparton Showgrounds’ McIntosh Pavilion, co-hosted by Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and City of Greater Shepparton.

Addressing reporters ahead of Thursday’s round table, Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio described the state and the region as being on the cusp of ‘‘major transformation in terms of how we make our energy’’.

She understood businesses were excited by the prospect of taking back control of their energy needs.

‘‘We’ve seen of course major transformation happening within our energy sector, seen significant increase in gas prices in the last 18 months.’’

‘‘We know there can be better arrangements put in place . . . to get the solutions that will fit individual businesses to lower their energy costs.’’

Ms D’Ambrosio highlighted northern Victoria as a potential ‘‘boom area’’ for solar and Greater Shepparton City councillor Seema Abdullah suggested the region would be ‘‘prime to get a fair chunk’’ of incentives from government initiatives.

She cited the region’s positioning, food production and said she wanted to see more investment and job creation in the region.

‘‘The more energy supply we create, the cheaper the energy will Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio be, and the quickest way to create supply is to promote renewable energy,’’ Ms D’Ambrosio said.

Shepparton's Cr Seema Abdullah at
the energy discussions on Thursday.
Following the round table, Goulburn Valley Community Energy’s Terry Court said there had been an enormous amount of energy in the room, embracing renewable energy.

Mr Court said electricity prices posed ‘‘a significant issue for community and industry’’ in his address at the session, with opportunities to reduce costs discussed.

Cr Seema Abdullah was delighted to see a healthy turnout of ‘‘renewable energy champions’’ and industry.
‘‘This is such a happening space, the possibilities, opportunities.’’

She was pleased to see groups and stakeholders had opportunities to transition and lower prices, amid a situation where there was ‘‘a demand for action’’.

Cr Abdullah described Greater Shepparton as one of those regions best placed in the conversation with a number of businesses already using or interested in new energy technologies.



Story by Thomas Moir in today’s Shepparton News - “An energy-filled discussion.”

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