Description

n our aim to create a sustainable site we went down the logical path of planning to install some Solar panels to support the needs of the development. The initial idea was to install a basic 10KW system which would provide all the power needed to run the entire development- inclusive of the proposed function and business centre. It was at this time that the South Australian government took the lead and instigated a 44 cent feed in tariff. We were fortunate to have the Solar Shops mini solar farm expert living at Winkie and after a lot of discussion we decided to invest in a full 30KW system. It is important to note that while the outlay is quite large the sun farm will provide a financial return helping make the whole development more financially sustainable. We believe this to be not only a sensible decision but our environmental responsibility given our aims for the site. We were surprised and pleased to see the interest that this has generated at a local, regional, state and national level. Our second key aim was to aim towards a zero use policy on our river allocation. We installed a large Rhino tank which will be capable of delivering enough water to supply all villas and where necessary top up supplies for the consequent function and business centres. But where do we get this water from??-With a little bit of effort and some great support from HOFFYS STEEL we managed to devise a catchment system from the SOLAR PANELS!!! So our panels now provide power and water- a double win-win. We have also installed an Australian award winning Biolytix waste treatment system which will supply much needed water to local native plants situated near the villa. We certainly haven???t finished with developing a cleaner, greener site but we are on the way. Keep an eye on us as we try to develop continually better systems to ensure our site is still aiming for sustainable excellence.