A new Greens plan would allow solar companies to install solar panels on council buildings and infrastructure in Brisbane.
Queensland Greens’ Brisbane Lord Mayoral candidate Ben Pennings said the “˜Shading Our Suburbs’ plan would invite tenders for solar structures that power council facilities and create shade.
This includes:
- carparks of libraries and pools
- bus depots
- kilometres of open walkways and bikeways.
The solar structures would power council facilities or sell power back into the grid, saving councils millions of dollar.
“For example, solar companies could build solar panel shade structures for car parks at Council’s swimming pools to run the power-hungry pumps. It will mean fewer families getting into hot cars after cooling off at the pool,” Mr Pennings said.
“With solar technology, including battery storage, developing so rapidly, this is a chance to provide more local jobs in the solar industry.”
Mr Pennings said the plan came on the back of Brisbane residents telling the Greens that shade is desperately needed over walkways and bikeways throughout suburbs.
Earlier in the week, community-led organisation Solar Citizens released results from a new poll that found that solar innovation is an important consideration for the majority of Australians.
Commissioned by Essential, the poll found that:
- 63 per cent of Australians would be more likely to vote for the party with a policy to ensure solar is installed on every home that is suitable and on buildings like hospitals and schools
- 60 per cent would vote for a policy that helps people get battery storage so solar can be used around the clock
- 59 per cent would support a party with a commitment to invest in large-scale solar and wind.
- Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said there has been a disconnect between what Australians want and what political leaders have delivered.
“A renewables boom is gathering momentum, with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimating renewable energy could deliver $1.9 trillion of benefits to the global economy by 2030.
“Australians want political leaders who can help our nation become a global leader in renewables and solar, and grab its fair share of the jobs, economic growth and innovation.”