What a Waste? Ah- hah!!

What if we used our hundreds of hectares of land- fill rubbish tips as solar power generating sites? These old tips are too unstable and often too toxic to ever build houses on. However, they are flat, they are close- by and they are near the grid. Oh, and we have lots of sun.

For decades we have dumped our rubbish in big pits around the city, often in old sand mines. The older ones weren’t even lined. Nearly all of them are covered over now. At some we generate power by burning the methane gas they emit. This gas is running out as the rubbish rots away. That business model is about to disappear. However, these sites have exiting power lines that already link to the WA grid.

Some tip sites might suit solar power generation; others might suit wind power. The photo shows how companies in Victoria already generate energy on site, in this case with roof- top wind power.

Our city’s energy is highly dependent on a gas pipeline from Veranus Island. A couple of years ago this source suffered short- term catastrophic failure in mid- summer; we sweated. Prudent risk management suggests that we need alternative sources of energy. Large solar sources could provide part of such alternatives.

Our highest power use is in day time, in hot weather, when the sun shines. We already have a bit of stand- by diesel power for night time. There are three more 10 Mw diesel plants in construction- just to stand by in case of emergency.

The land surface of our tips is continually subsiding. This is one reason we should not build houses on them. The local manager for a large solar power company says that their automatic tracking technology could easily and continuously adjust solar panels for this subsidence.

Local Councils own the tip land. By reaching commercial arrangement with power companies Councils could become their own power utilities or could supply to the grid. Continuity of tenure to enable a return on investment would be a question easily resolved in law.

By offsetting our tip methane emissions with renewable power generation we can provide a financial benefit to our residents.

So, we diminish our power bill, we reduce carbon emissions, we receive a feed- in tariff from the State Government, we make use of wasteland. Is this something we can work on?

Have your say, please. Just click on “Comments” below.

As Lamppost is to Dog …

Gee Community Democracy is wonderful. Nothing like pets to get people on their feet. Last week 277 residents, mainly dog owners, turned out to show their feelings about our new dog laws. Opinions were expressed with passion; not all the answers satisfied everybody. Some attendees felt afraid to speak, others spoke strongly.

Dozens of community meetings have happened over the past few years. This is such a good City to be in and these are such good people to represent. This spirit of involvement keeps us on our toes.

Just sometimes though, it feels like Councillor is to Community as lamppost is to dog. When we make decisions at open meetings, with an almost unattended public gallery, we are accused of deciding in secret. When we listen to new ideas and learn of new facts we are accused of changing our minds. Sometimes, at personal and political risk, I feel like quoting John Howard, who asked a journalist “When the facts change I change my mind. What do you do?” When we take into account a range of other people’s values and visions we are accused of not listening.

What is certain, is that different people attach different value to many places. One piece of open space often has a range of values to Noongar people, to environmental managers, fisher- folk, dog owners, dance groups, walkers, kite enthusiasts and so on.

Still, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sooo, the next Como “Tea in the Park” will be at 3 p.m. on a Sunday in a few weeks time at McDougall Park (date to be advised). Please come along, bring a chair, enjoy a cuppa and conversation, let your Councillors know what is important to you.

Meanwhile, please feel free to have your say in public by clicking on Comments below, login as Anonymous or Name, or just email me, and I’ll publish your words for you.