may 18 - 24 | 2016
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circulating in wangaratta, myrtleford, bright, mt beauty, beechworth, yackandandah, rutherglen, chiltern and districts
Power to the people By KYLIE WILSON
EYE TO THE FUTURE:
Matthew Charles-Jones is among the committed Yackandandah locals who have formed Totally Renewable Yackandandah. PHOTO: Wendy Stephens
GARDENING WITH
MOLLY, SADIE
& JESS
RSPCA
WITH
BOZ
FILM
THE MAN WHO KNEW
INFINITY
WINE TALK WITH
ANITA
WHILE the picturesque streets of Yackandandah may recall a distant, historic past, residents of the town have their eyes firmly fixed on the future. Since 2014, the town has been home to the volunteer-run Totally Renewable Yackandandah group, which has the aim of powering the town with 100 per cent renewable energy, and achieving energy sovereignty, by 2022. Group co-president, Matthew CharlesJones, said members are passionate about the possibilities of renewable energy for both homes and businesses. He said a number of renewable energy options were suited for Yackandandah, including solar, green purchasing and batteries. “The technology is changing very rapidly, making it more affordable,” Matthew said. The Yackandandah community is one of around 70 communities across Australia exploring similar concepts of energy and sustainability, with Hepburn Springs, for instance, embracing wind power, with a functioning community energy turbine. Matthew said residents of Yackandandah have embraced the ongoing trend towards renewable energy, seeing the benefits of not only cost savings, but also a reduction in carbon footprints and a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. He and his wife, who have lived in Yackandandah for about a decade, are committed to sustainable lifestyles in their own home as well. Their double glazed, passive solar home includes solar panels, composting toilets and more. “We now have a very comfortable home, and it’s very low cost,” Matthew said. continued page |
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