SOLAR LIGHTS REQUEST

Moreton Bay Regional Council will investigate the pros and cons of installing solar lights in council parks, reserves and other public-use areas.

Commercial Enterprises Committee chairman, Cr Brian Battersby, has asked the council to consider the options of costs and savings, various project stages and long-term environmental benefits.

This follows news to council that the cost of street lighting across the region would increase a massive 63 per cent from $3.9 million last year to $6.35 million for 2008/09, excluding GST.

 “Whilst council is already actively participating in a trial of energy efficient grid connected street lights in conjunction with Energex, the Department of Mines and Energy and other regional councils, other alternatives should also be considered,” Cr Battersby said.

 “The deregulation of street lights in areas served by Energex, which includes the Moreton Bay region, means council is no longer eligible to remain under the regulated tariff system.

 “With increased growth predicted for the Moreton Bay region we can only expect the costs to grow as the population expands.”

Cr Battersby said an increase in the use of solar energy would also lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions which contributed to global warming.

 “Electricity costs are continuing to increase while solar energy technology advances. If the council can save in the long-term by turning to solar it should certainly be investigated,” he said.


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