Regional community votes 98% in support of solar over gas

Residents of Port Augusta in South Australia’s ‘Iron Triangle’ have voiced strong support for a proposal that would keep hundreds of power jobs in Port Augusta, and protect people’s health and the environment.

As coal plants Playford B and Northern face an ever more uncertain future, the Repower Port Augusta Community Vote asked residents whether they prefer gas or solar thermal as a replacement option. 3500 voters, or 98%, voted in support of solar thermal.

This vote follows the release of a proposal by the energy think tank Beyond Zero Emissions to replace the coal plants with six solar thermal plants and 95 wind turbines. The research showed that this would not only supply the required electricity day and night, but would also:

• create 1800 jobs in manufacturing, construction and maintenance
• alleviate the serious health impacts of coal and gas
• enhance energy security and more stable electricity prices
• save 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually

“We face two options in Port Augusta - a solar replacement which would secure the jobs and health of the community or gas which would mean fewer jobs and leave our children to suffer another polluting power source,” said Elizabeth Zyla, Chairperson of the group and local nurse.

“The vote is a powerful way for the community to send a message on what they want for their future.”

The proposal for solar thermal has the backing of a national alliance as well as the Port Augusta City Council and Business Port Augusta.

“The health of the people in Port Augusta has been affected by this coal-fired power station for the last 40 years and statistics prove this. We need to see solar thermal energy developed in South Australia and for us to become world leaders in this renewable energy. Certainly gas is not the answer,” said Mayor Joy Baluch.