United Voice News
Here comes the sun
LHMU delegates in Whyalla are looking forward to their town becoming a shining light in solar power.
As Client Service Attendants working within the health service in Whyalla, Sandy Goldring, Jeanette Gilbert and Stefanie Rogers care about their community’s health and understand the importance of taking action for a safe climate.
'I think the Labor Government is on the right track,' said Sandy. 'It's entirely possible for Australia to move to renewable energy. This is a sunny place with lots of natural resources. There’s plenty of wind too, and the windfarms are a good way to tap into this. The government also needs to get the big companies thinking straight. Everyone needs to do their bit. Schemes to help everyday households get solar panels and rainwater tanks are great, but they have to be affordable.'
The new solar power facility will be Australia’s largest, with 300 giant dishes to concentrate the sun’s rays. It will generate 40 Megawatts - enough to power 9,500 homes. 200 new jobs will be created in the local community.
The Labor Government has expanded the Renewable Energy Target, and committed $652 million in funding. This money will grow clean energy jobs and renewable energy facilities, including the station at Whyalla.
Stefanie would like to see the hospital itself run on energy from the solar station. 'We already work hard to reduce our energy use by turning off lights and air-conditioning at night and weekends in areas that are not used at these times. The management of the hospital are always asking for suggestions from staff into how we can become more energy efficient and reduce our energy use. I would like to think that when the solar power plant is up and running all government buildings would take the next step and purchase renewable energy which would save money, reduce greenhouse gas and slow down the effects of climate change.'
Meanwhile, politicians from the Liberal Party have openly denied the science of climate change, including Tony Abbott who once described concept of climate change as 'absolute crap.'
'Sometimes I wonder if Tony Abbott knows what day of the week it is!' said Jeanette. 'It's obvious that climate change is real and we need to do something about it. Renewable energy employs more people and saves the environment. It’s a good thing.'
