LIGHTING UP LIVES
Sun power is already changing lives for Borroloola families through the Solar Homelands Project, another initiative of Original Power and Ngardara Cooperative that seeks to address energy insecurity on Borroloola homelands, in addition to the town-based microgrid project.
SEALING THE SOLAR DEAL … (FROM LEFT) ANNIE McDINNY (NGARDARA CO-OP), NANCY McDINNY, MADDY HICKMAN (ORIGINAL POWER), GADRIAN HOOSAN, MADIE STURGESS (ORIGINAL POWER), SCOTT McDINNY (NGARDARA CO-OP) AND STEWART HOOSAN, BORROLOOLA COMMUNITY RESIDENTS
A feasibility study prepared with the support of development partners Alice Springs-based Ekistica shows that solar and battery storage could replace diesel generators on 10 priority Borroloola homelands.
The power upgrades would save residents more than $200,000 per year on diesel – and create skilled local jobs in electrical and construction.
The first of the Borroloola homelands to benefit from the project’s solar and battery installation is Twenty Mile, with a new standalone power system being switched on by the Anderson family in April 2023.
Billy Anderson, a Garrwa man, pastoralist and father of 11, says: “Since having solar installed on my outstation we’ve been able to run School of the Air for the kids without a generator for the first time in their lifetime.
“It’s really changed the way they learn and made it possible for our family to have a future here on our homeland.
“We’re looking forward to seeing them grow up on Country here now, without the negative influences of town, with all the power we need to run a healthy home.”
Ngardara and Original Power are working hard to raise funds for the next round of homelands solar.
