Coogee lifesavers to create solar showcase

The Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club will use a $50,000 State Government grant to incorporate a grid-connected solar system into new clubrooms that will double as a multi-purpose community facility.

Energy Minister and Cockburn MLA Francis Logan said the funding would help create a facility that would benefit the club and the general community.

"The Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club plans to integrate photovoltaic or solar cells into the architecture of a new building," Mr Logan said.

"The majority of grid-connected solar power systems installed in Western Australia are located on rooftops, rather than integrated into the structures themselves.

"This new facility will act as a sustainable development showcase for the community and schools, demonstrating not only the use of solar power, but also solar hot water, water harvesting and recycling, and the use of recycled materials.

"As well as incorporating this state-of-the-art technology, the facility will be actively educating the community through a purpose-built interpretation centre."

Tenders for the construction of the building are likely to be called towards the end of the year.

The Minister said the funding was part of the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) grants program.

He said the program was part of the State Government's commitment to increasing the use of renewable energy and energy-efficient products and practices to combat climate change.

It supported both community-based projects and research-and-development projects that promote, encourage and educate the public on sustainable energy use.

More information about the SEDO grants program is available at http://www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au