Media Release: GREEN STREET LIGHTS FOR VALLEY

FROM THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 2006

GREEN STREET LIGHTS FOR VALLEY

The Latrobe Valley will conduct Victoria’s first large scale street lighting trial that will potentially cut energy used by the lights by 25 per cent and reduce Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40,000 tonnes a year.

“This is the environmental equivalent of taking 9,000 cars off our roads every year,” Environment Minister John Thwaites said.

Speaking in Moe, Mr Thwaites said the Active Reactor Company and its partners would receive $205,000 in funding through the Bracks Government’s Sustainability Fund to conduct the trial.

“Street lighting is a vital service, integral to the safety of road users and the community. However it is also a major energy user, source of greenhouse gas emissions and cost to councils.

“This technology electronically controls the amount of energy used in each street lamp to provide constant brightness of light using less energy and savings on maintenance costs,” he said.

The Active Reactor project is one of 32 successful applicants to receive a share in $8 million in funding under the second round of the Bracks Government’s Sustainability Fund.

The second round of the Fund was announced last week as part of the Bracks Government’s Environment Sustainability Action Statement.

Member for Narracan Ian Maxfield said 500 street lights would be used in the trial which would be conducted throughout the Latrobe Valley, with the towns taking part in trial yet to be finalised.

“This technology has huge potential for replication and will go a long way towards helping local communities tackle greenhouse emissions and the impact of climate change,” he said.

“I want to take this opportunity to commend The Active Reactor Company, Centre for Energy and Greenhouse Technologies, Sylvania Lighting Australasia, Latrobe City Council, VicRoads and energy distributor SP Ausnet for their partnership on this innovative project,” Mr Thwaites said.

Mr Thwaites said the Fund supported projects that used resources more efficiently and had economic and social benefits for local and broader communities.

“Not only do these projects have a positive outcome for our environment, now and in the future but they also have untapped potential to build new industries and create local employment,” he said.

For more information on the Sustainability Fund visit http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au