The Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) is taking steps to reduce its energy costs, with council agreeing to fund two solar panels which will result in tens of thousands of dollars in savings.
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Moree Plains Shire Council agreed to approve the installation of a 180 kilowatt total solar system in the form of two separate 100 kilowatt and 80 kilowatt solar systems - pending a structural engineer certification - at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday, December 12.
Additionally, council will advance to the MAAC Limited $274,000 for the company to acquire the solar systems from Greenultimate before the end of the year.
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MAAC CEO Emma Brazel and MAAC chief operating officer Julie Rushby spoke to council at Thursday's meeting, saying that Greenultimate was the best provider for the new solar systems.
"Two quotes have been obtained, including a local provider, Greenultimate proved to be the most cost effective," Ms Brazel said.
"Engineering, expenses are provided by Greenultimate. In the event that the engineer's report returns a negative finding and the system cannot be installed all engineering costs will be paid by Greenultimate.
"Greenultimate have installed a number of 100 kilowatt systems in Moree and the surrounding areas."
Ms Rushby said the electricity at the centre costs around $18,000 a month, but the installation of the solar systems would reduce the electricity usage by 36 percent.
"Greenultimate, in their conserving figures, suggest that the 180 kilowatts will save us $78,000 a year," she said.
Councillor Sue Price was a vocal supporter for the installation of the solar systems.
"As an ex-director of the MAAC board, we had struggled for years to reduce our costs," she siad.
"We had realised that it's an expensive operation but given the number of hours it's open and the legislative responsibilities, it's very difficult to reduce the costs.
"We have identified the solar panels will help reduce the operating costs and I think as council, we need to start looking in this direction across a lot of facilities as a way of reducing operating costs.
"I think it's a step in the right direction and I think it will probably be the first project for council to prove that solar power is going to be a viable option in the future or not."
"I think we've all complained and whinged and whined about how much it costs over at the MAAC but I think this is a positive step," councillor Kerry Cassells added.
