TENTERFIELD could soon become the capital of green innovation as it vies against five others to become the nation’s first town solely reliant on renewable energy.
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The green push is a concept dreamt up by not-for-profit company Starfish Initiatives and backed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
Under the proposal, Tenterfield would do away with standard energy resources and become a zero net energy town.
Over 100 businesses have tendered to draw up the blueprint but the first step is to find a willing model.
Tenterfield Shire Council has submitted an application, following Uralla, Walcha, Glen Innes, Bingara and Manilla who have each expressed interest.
“This is an application that is supported by council in general through the community strategic plan,” council general manager Lotta Jackson said.
“Council will consider its specific commitment of the project at the November council meeting. However, due to the timing of the application it will be submitted so we don't miss the opportunity.”
Starfish Initiatives executive director Adam Blakester said they have fortunately secured funding to develop a blueprint.
“Were Tenterfield to become the prototype we would develop a business case that clearly articulates the benefits,” Mr Blakester said.
“A town the size of Tenterfield would likely save somewhere between $10 – 15 million a year in electricity costs."
- Adam Blakester, Starfish Initiatives executive director
“It is also creating local employment and business to supply the energy – imagine the benefits if a $10 – 20 million business arrived in Tenterfield.
“Our ultimate goal is to do it with all energy but the immediate focus is electricity.
The move would follow several European and North American towns that have shifted to zero net energy.
“There are about 400 towns and villages in Germany that have done this – we met with the mayor of Wildpoldsried in Canberra for a conference,” Mr Blakester said.
“Since his town started they have created four times the energy they need and are now exporting the equivalent of three times and above their own energy – it’s now an industry for them.”
Towns would be powered by LED lighting, bio-gas plants, daytime solar panels and energy efficient pumping systems.
“Our goal is to co-ordinate such a good offer for each house and building that it’s too good to refuse.
“Because of the extraordinary interest we’ve received we’re working on getting more funding,” he said.
Applications to be considered for the initiative close this Friday.
Mr Blakester said he expected to announce the successful town in mid-November.
