BACKGROUND

LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL

ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY PLAN A PLAN FOR AN EFFICIENT, ECONOMIC AND RESILIENT FUTURE 2020 BACKGROUND INTRODUCTION 4 01/ FORWARD FROM THE MAYOR 4 02/ PURPOSE 5 03/ COST REDUCTION 5 04/ SUSTAINABILITY 6 05/ GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES 6 06/ RESILIENCE 8 07/ APPROACH 9 CONTENTS COUNCIL BACKGROUND 10 01/ WHERE ARE WE NOW 11 02/ ACTIONS INITIATED OR CONSIDERING 12 COUNCIL VISION 14 01/ WHAT TARGETS HAVE OTHER COUNCILS SET? 15 02/ WHAT ARE LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCILS TARGETS 16 03/ SELF SUFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY 17 MONITORING AND REPORTING 19 01/ METHODS OF MONITORING 19 02/ FREQUENCY OF REPORTING 20 LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL 03/ MEASURES OF SUCCESS 20 ACKNOWLEDGES THE FINANCIAL MODEL 21 WIRADJURI PEOPLE AS THE 01/ FINANCE MIXING 21 TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS 02/ REVOLVING ENERGY FUND 21 ON THIS LAND. WE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 22 RECOGNISE THEIR STRENGTH 01/ NETWORKING 23 AND RESILIENCE AND PAY 02/ SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE 23 RESPECT TO ELDERS PAST, 03/ LIGHTING 23 PRESENT, AND EMERGING 04/ SOLAR PV 24 AND TO ALL ABORIGINAL 05/ POWER PURCHASING AGREEMENTS 24 AND TORRES STRAIT 06/ ENERGY STORAGE 25 ISLANDER PEOPLE WHO 07/ PUMPING 25 ARE PART OF THE LACHLAN 08/ BULK BUYING 25 SHIRE COMMUNITY. COMMUNITY PROJECTS 26 01/ BASELINE 27

PREPARED BY: 02/ EDUCATION 27

Revision Date Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By 03/ FUNDING 27 Draft 0.1 09/06/2020 Department of Environment, Planning Rowan Bentick Jon Shillito 04/ ENGAGEMENT 27 and Industry (DPIE) KEY CHALLENGES 28 Draft 0.2 06/07/2020 Rowan Bentick Jon Shillito Jon Shillito Draft 0.3 08/08/2020 Rowan Bentick Jon Shillito Jon Shillito APPENDIX 1 ENERGY USAGE PER SITE 30 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION LACHLAN SHIRE ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 01/ FORWARD FROM THE MAYOR 02/ PURPOSE 03/ COST REDUCTION

The Lachlan Shire Council Energy Sustainability Plan outlines a vision that Local Governments have the ability to affect change through policy and legislation. Lachlan will guide Council towards a resilient and carbon neutral future. This plan Efficient energy management can significantly Shire Council chooses to be proactive in outlines the key areas for our region to reduce its energy consumption and reduce community and Council costs. This implementing strategies to reduce its impact operational cost whilst continuing to meet the needs of the community and document analyses the current energy on the environment and operational cost by local industry. requirements and costs to Council. implementing efficient energy management as a key tool to reduce overall Carbon dioxide (CO2) We are already experiencing the impacts of climate change on a local and The plan outlines methods for producing and emissions, decrease associated energy costs global scale. This plan outlines targets and action plans for Lachlan Shire storing Councils own energy through renewable and improve Council’s resilience and that of Council to undertake to reducing operational cost and greenhouse gas generation and reducing energy consumption the community. emissions through planning and controlling our energy usage. through energy efficiency. This plan reviews and categorises Council’s energy usage into lighting, This document outlines the vision, strategies and To achieve our vision in relation to energy sustainability, we must overcome heating/cooling, pumping and transport and timelines Lachlan Shire Council will implement to a number of complex environmental, social, and economical issues and outlines strategies to address each section. challenges. As a community our challenge is to actively address issues drive change and achieve sustainability goals. The identified in the Energy Sustainability Plan, to ensure Council and the elements outlined in this document will influence community obtains the best possible outcome to grow and prosper. decision making and policies of Council moving into a sustainable future.

Councillor John Medcalf OAM - Mayor The key benefits to Council are reduced operational costs, and the social and economic benefits that are expected as a result of Council having additional funds for additional projects that benefit the local community.

4 5 CO2 STATES & TERRITORIES INTRODUCTION RENEWABLE ENERGY &INTRODUCTION NET ZERO EMISSIONS TARGETS

NT QLD Renewable Electricity Target Renewable Electricity Target 50% by 2030 50% by 2030

Net Zero Emissions Target Net Zero Emissions Target By 2050 By 2050 (Draft target released Sept 2019) 04/ 05/ GOVERNMENT WA Renewable Electricity Target NSW None SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES Renewable Electricity Target Net Zero Emissions Target None By 2050 (Aspiration declared Aug 2019) Net Zero Emissions Target Sustainability is the preservation of economic, By 2050 social and environmental factors. Council actively FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT addresses its responsibility to the community by Renewable Electricity Target None providing frameworks and infrastructure that are Net Zero Emissions Target both environmentally and economically viable. “THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT IS None Through leadership, development decisions and DEVELOPING A NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY community engagement in sustainable energy INVESTMENT ROADMAP THAT WILL management, Lachlan Shire Council can shape a DRIVE INVESTMENT IN LOW EMISSIONS sustainable future for the local community. ACT TECHNOLOGIES TO STRENGTHEN THE SA Renewable Electricity Target 100% by 2020 ECONOMY AND SUPPORT JOBS AND Renewable Electricity Target The benefits of this Energy Sustainability Plan 100% by 2030 Net Zero Emissions Target VIC By 2045 can only be realised when Council changes its BUSINESSES. THIS IS A KEY PRIORITY Net Zero Emissions Target By 2050 Renewable Electricity Target approach away from the “business as usual” 50% by 2030 OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TAS model. Viewed from a financial position alone Net Zero Emissions Target Renewable Electricity Target RECOVERING FROM COVID-19. By 2050 Council cannot sustain the business as usual 100% by 2022 THE RELEASE OF THE TECHNOLOGY approach without significant financial cost over Net Zero Emissions Target By 2050 the coming decades. INVESTMENT ROADMAP DISCUSSION PAPER IS THE NEXT STEP IN THE Figure 1 State and Territories Renewable energy The steps addressed by this plan and the projects GOVERNMENT’S ‘TECHNOLOGY NOT and Net Zero Emissions Targets carried out under it, must be affordable and TAXES’ APPROACH TO REDUCING Council has established a criteria by which the Climate Council, 2019, State of Play: Renewable Energy Leaders and Losers, https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/states-renewables-2019/ EMISSIONS. projects are measured. The criteria considers the THIS ROADMAP WILL PRIORITISE environmental, social, financial and operational Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy STATE GOVERNMENT benefits of each project and will also include a AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT and Resources, 2020, Technology Investment Roadmap to low emissions, https://www.energy.gov.au/news-media/news/technolo- risk analysis. Council recognises that this plan will INVESTMENTS IN NEW AND DEVELOPING gy-investment-roadmap-low-emissions help realise short-term, medium-term and long- TECHNOLOGIES. DEPLOYING THE RIGHT The Government is term benefits as it works towards developing a Whilst it is yet to commit to a renewable energy TECHNOLOGY WHEN AND WHERE IT implementing “The Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020- target, the Federal Government is consulting with sustainable future. 2030”. This is the foundation for NSW’s action IS NEEDED WILL ALLOW AUSTRALIAN industry in the application of new technology on climate change and goal to reach net zero INDUSTRY TO CAPTURE NEW ahead of continued investment in this area emissions by 2050. The Net Zero Plan outlines the through agencies such as Australian Renewable OPPORTUNITIES.” NSW Government’s plan to grow the economy, Energy Agency (ARENA). create jobs and reduce emissions over the next decade.

6 7 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

The plan aims to enhance the prosperity and The first 1-2 years of the program is focused on 07/ APPROACH the total amount of energy consumed by quality of life of the people of NSW, while helping supporting each individual Council to define and implementing energy efficiency actions will the state to deliver a 35% cut in emissions by 2030 deliver a range of energy efficiency & renewables reduce the overall amount of renewable energy compared to 2005 levels. The plan will support projects. In many cases, Councils have taken an Lachlan Shire Council will use an energy Council is required to install at its facilities or a range of initiatives targeting electricity and extra step to integrate energy into their strategic management hierarchy approach in its purchase to meet its renewable targets. energy efficiency, electric vehicles, hydrogen, operations, integrated into asset management implementation of a more sustainable energy primary industries, coal innovation, organic waste and produce sustainability plans. This Energy use profile. An energy management hierarchy The focus of this plan is the replacement of fossil and carbon financing. Sustainability Plan originates from a template identifies and prioritises energy management fuel-sourced electricity with electricity produced developed under the SCC program funded by the options in order to progress towards a from renewable sources. The plan makes The implementation of the Net Zero Plan, NSW government. more sustainable energy system in the most recommendations for further investigations to be together with the NSW Electricity Strategy, efficient way. Council will prioritise preventing undertaken to provide a transition pathway from will result in more than $11.6 billion of new unnecessary energy use, for example, by liquid fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. investment for NSW, including $7 billion in switching off air conditioning and lighting when regional NSW. 06/ RESILIENCE not in use. Detailed action plans for liquid fossil fuels have not been included in this plan as Council did NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, 2020, Improving energy efficiency is the next highest not want to delay the release of the plan while Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030, https://www.environment.nsw. gov.au/topics/climate-change/net-zero-plan Lachlan Shire Council relies heavily on the import in the hierarchy, energy efficiency is using less these investigations were being undertaken and of fuel and electricity. The money spent on this energy to provide the same service. Reducing advancements in technologies are developing.

It is anticipated various grant funding energy leaves the region. Producing energy opportunities will become available as a result of reduces this importation, creates additional this policy. wealth for the region and leads to a more resilient community. Figure 2 Energy Management Hierarchy

The Sustainable Councils & Community program (SCC) program supports twenty (20) resource- Resilience within a region is especially significant constrained councils across NSW in realising the when external factors may hinder our traditional economic, social and environmental benefits of industries and provides an alternative source of energy efficiency and renewable in their Local value creation. Resilience takes two forms.

Government Area. 1. The functional requirement for a stable, reliable energy supply.

2. Reduction of costs and dependence on the purchase of energy from the market.

This energy sustainability plan aims to address both elements of resilience.

8 9 BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

COUNCIL 01/ WHERE ARE WE NOW

BACKGROUND LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL IS GEOGRAPHICALLY THE HEART OF NSW, COUNCIL AIMS TO REDUCE ITS WITH THE LACHLAN RIVER RUNNING OPERATIONAL COSTS, ECONOMIC THROUGH IT. THE SHIRE COVERS AN IMPACTS, ECOLOGICAL/CARBON AREA OF 14,970 SQUARE KILOMETRES AND FOOTPRINT, IMPACT ON THE HAS A POPULATION OF 6,200 WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AND WILL ALSO MAINS TOWNS AND VILLAGES BEING: CONDOBOLIN, LAKE STRIVE TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE . CARGELLIGO, TOTTENHAM, TULLIBIGEAL, BURCHER, DERRIWONG, ALBERT AND FIFIELD. THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY MURRIN BRIDGE IS A RECENT ADDITION TO THE LGA.

Council, as a water and sewer authority and community service provider, uses a large amount of energy. In 2019 Council used 3,659 MWh of electrical energy across 117 sites.

The majority of energy is derived from grid sourced electricity and liquid fossil fuels. The chart below outlines the electricity component only and identifies that the largest sector for energy usage is pumping services related to sewerage and drinking water. Another significant portion is related to recreation and community, in particular lighting for sports and recreation facilities.

It is important for Council to take ownership of these numbers and set targets to demonstrate leadership in reducing energy consumption, emissions, replacing with renewable energy and communicating to stakeholders the benefits of energy sustainability. BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

02/ ACTIONS WE HAVE INITIATED OR ARE CONSIDERING IDENTIFIED INITIATIVES

Lachlan Shire Council is already committed of total to the principles outlined in this document, potential • Ten (10) additional solar energy projects have Lachlan Shire Council is committed to a having identified nearly $960,000 of total $960,000 savings by 2022 been identified, which could result in savings sustainable future for the community. Council’s potential savings by 2022, of which $590,000 of approximately $82,000 p.a. and a reduction approach to sustainability means that planning, of total savings of total savings have already been initiated. have already of 670MWh p.a. These projects are dependent decisions and actions aim to optimise the use $590,000 been initiated. on obtaining suitable funding. of resources to maintain organisational viability, improve the environment and enhance social ACHIEVED INITIATIVES • A lighting upgrade to LED lights at the all values and community engagement. grounds and sports fields within Council, with the potential savings of approximately Since the end of 2019, Council $5,131.85 p.a and a reduction of 34 MWh p.a. Council aims to reduce its operational costs, has implemented the following These projects are dependent on obtaining economic impacts, ecological/carbon footprint, sustainability activities: suitable funding. impact on the environment and will also strive to • Negotiated a new energy contract lead by example by implementing projects that resulting in savings of: supports sustainability within the Shire. $ 88,322 in the 2020 calendar year 10% 13% $ 142,701 in the 2021 calendar year COUNCIL STREET SERVICES LIGHTING $ 158,943 in the 2022 calendar year SITE NUMBER AVERAGE EXISTING LUMINAIRE REPLACEMENT TOTAL OF WEEKLY (CONNECTED LOAD) OPTION YEARLY • Initiated 1 solar + battery project at 7%% 11OTHE%R RESIDENTIAL FITTINGS RUNNING (CONNECTED LOAD) ENERGY the Condobolin Waste Transfer Station HOURS SAVING with estimated annual savings of (KWH)

approximately $6,000 and 45 MWh p.a. of Condo SRA Show ring 32 6 2000W HID Floods LED Flood 9,984 renewable energy. RECREA16%TION/ (2200W) (1200W) COMMUNITY Condobolin and Lake 8 6 1200W HID Floods LED Flood - 2,621 • Implemented tariff changes at nine (9) 43% Cargelligo Netball Courts (1350W) (600W) sites resulting in an annual saving of PLUMBING approximately $46,073. Tennis Courts – 32 6 ~ LED 5,112 Council Total (1100W) (588W) • Initiated a lighting overhaul. This has Lake Cargelligo 24 6 ~ LED Flood 7,488 involved the conversion from fluorescent Recreation Ground (2200W) (1200W) Tullibigeal Netball 2 3 1200W HID Floods LED Flood -328 tubes to LED energy efficient lighting (1350W) (1200W) at Council’s Condobolin Administration Tottenham Recreation 4 0 ~ LED Flood 0 building, resulting in an annual saving LACHLAN SHIRE Ground (2200W) (1200W) of approximately $14,793 and reduction Tullibigeal Recreation 3 3 ~ LED Flood 468 COUNCIL’S ELECTRICITY Ground (2200W) (1200W) of 40MWh. USAGE BY SECTOR. TOTAL 105 30 20,103 Table 1: Lighting opportunities on sport grounds within Lachlan Shire

12 13 COUNCIL VISION COUNCIL VISION

01/ WHAT TARGETS New South Wales Councils have made renewable energy or carbon emissions reduction commitments. HAVE OTHER Table two (2) outlines targets and commitments from COUNCILS SET? Councils within NSW.

Dubbo Regional, Temora Shire and COUNCIL Councils have Renewable Energy Plans and Renewable VISION Action Plans in development at the moment. LOCAL GOVERNMENT RENEWABLE ENERGY CARBON COMMITMENT COMMITMENT COUNCIL AIMS TO REDUCE Carbon neutral by 2020 Zero-net emissions from operational ITS OPERATIONAL COSTS, electricity, fuel and gad by 2030; Zero ECONOMIC IMPACTS, net community emissions by 2020. Bathurst Regional Council Renewable Target 1 - 25% of Council’s ECOLOGICAL/CARBON electricity consumption to be from renewable sources by 2023 FOOTPRINT, IMPACT ON Renewable Target 2 - 50% of Council’s electricity consumption to be from THE ENVIRONMENT AND renewable sources by 2025 Council Renewable energy plan WILL ALSO STRIVE TO with no specific target LEAD BY EXAMPLE . Broken Hill Council 100% renewable energy status by 2030 Blue Mountains City Council Carbon neutral by 2025 Byron Bay Council 100% renewable electricity from 2027 Net zero by 2025 100% renewable electricity from 2020 100% renewable electricity from 2021 Council operations by 2021 Carbon neutral from 2008 Coffs Harbour City Council 100% renewable electricity from 2030 Council 100% renewable electricity from 2030 100% renewable electricity from 2025 Carbon neutral by 2025, 100% divestment from fossil fuel Ku-ring-gai Council 100% renewable electricity from 2025 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 or earlier 25% electricity from on-site solar by 2025, 50% renewable electricity by 2025, 100% renewable electricity by 2030 Lismore City Council Self – generate all electricity needs from renewable sources by 2023 Nambucca Council Zero net carbon emissions within the 2030 to 2050 period Parramatta Council Carbon neutral 2022 Port Macquarie- 100% renewable energy by 2027 Hastings Council Randwick Council 100% renewable by 2030 for Zero emissions by 2030 stationary and transport energy Council 50% renewable energy by 2025 Willoughby City Council By 2028 emit 50% less GHG emissions from operations compared with 2008/09, Achieve net zero emissions by 2050 Wollongong City Net zero emissions by 2030 for its own operations, net zero emissions by 2050 for the city as whole.

14 Table 2: NSW Council targets 15 COUNCIL VISION COUNCIL VISION

02/ WHAT ARE • Phase two, involves medium-term 03/ SELF opportunities that require planning and LACHLAN SHIRE investment to achieve the reduction in SUFFICIENCY AND COUNCILS TARGETS emissions and increase cost savings (2023- SUSTAINABILITY 2025). This will include:

COUNCIL AIMS FOR ITS ELECTRICITY - Development of a sustainability committee Council currently imports 3,659 MWh of including: electricity into the region annually at a cost of CONSUMPTION TO BE CARBON NEUTRAL $1,049,000 in 2019. BY 2050, REDUCE ELECTRICITY IMPORT  The Council sustainability team. BY 12% BY 2022, INCREASE RENEWABLE  An elected Councillor. Council’s goals are to: ENERGY PROPORTION BY 25% BY  Other outside influencers in the • Reduce Council’s electricity import by 12% community. 2025 AND REDUCE CARBON DIOXIDE over the next two (2) years. EMISSIONS BY 385 TONNES BY 2025. - Introducing energy efficiency metrics in • Increase Council’s renewable energy lighting and pumping projects. proportion by 25% over the next five (5) years. These targets are to be achieved through - Incorporate Solar Power Purchasing investment in renewable energy and energy • Reduce Council’s Carbon (CO2) emissions by Agreement (PPA) in electricity contract efficiency in several phases of Council’s projects 385 Tonnes over the next five (5) years. in 2023. and community engagement. - Review completed projects (of the 11 • Phase one, involves short-term focus (2020 – identified sites) and identify new projects. 2022). This will include: PROJECT DETAIL ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUNDING SOURCE - Bulk Buy opportunities. REDUCTION IN - Development of a sustainability team ELECTRICITY FROM • Phase three, involves long term methods within Council. GRID MWH that requires significant developments in Council Administration Lighting upgrade 40 Operation Plan 2020/21 - Securing additional funding for lighting technology combined with community uptake Building upgrades and completing identified projects. (2025 – onwards). This will include: LSC Grounds & Lighting upgrade to LED 34 Energy Reserve Fund / Sport Fields Operation Plan 2021-2022 - Securing additional funding for solar PV Fluorescent T5 1000 lights across 127 NSW renewable energy - Rebates and incentives. to LED panel multiple facilities certificates / Energy Fund / and completing up to eleven (11) projects Operational Plan 2020-2022 - Combined Central NSW Joint Organisation across Council. Streetlight Upgrade Upgrade to LED Streetlights 242 Central NSW Joint Programs/Projects. Organisation Program - Implement a dashboard to review data Table 3: Identified energy reduction projects supplied by the E21 subscription and interpret - Sustainable building – Sustainable lifestyle for data to monitor project success. commercial and residential buildings.

- Establishing a revolving energy fund. What - Inclusion of energy sustainability within the this means is that the savings generated Community Strategic Plan. by the fund are put back into other energy - Energy storage. saving projects. - Solar farms. - Implement sustainability school grants. - Purchasing electric vehicles in the light fleet

16 17 COUNCIL VISION MONITORING AND REPORTING

SITE SOLAR PV SIZE COST ESTIMATED ESTIMATED ANNUAL PAYBACK SAVING Condobolin Waste 3.6KW + Battery $20,000 $6,000 3.3 years Transfer Station Caravan Park, 30KW $33,000 $6,718 4.9 years Condobolin Council Works 30KW $33,000 $6,718 4.9 years Depot, Condobolin Council’s 45KW $49,000 $9,688 (potential 5.1 years Administration for $24,430) Building, Condobolin Caravan Park, 30KW $33,000 $6,478 5.1 years Lake Cargelligo Goobang Street 43KW $70,000 $12,307 5.7 years MONITORING AND Water Pump Station, Condobolin Water Treatment Plant 87KW $138,000 $21,309 6.5 years Lake Cargelligo Small Scale

Large Scale 260KW +Large $554,000 $54,600, Net Zero 10 years Battery Carbon and 12% reduction in total LGA footprint REPORTING

Sewage Treatment 22KW $35,000 $4,750 7.4 years Plant, Condobolin 01/ METHODS OF MONITORING

Sewage Treatment 22KW $35,000 $4,750 7.4 years Plant, Lake Cargelligo COUNCIL WILL IMPLEMENT A MONITORING SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING ELECTRICITY Swimming Pool 40KW $35,000 $4,750 7.4 years , Condobolin CONSUMPTION AND COSTS, KNOWN AS A DASHBOARD. THIS ENERGY STRATEGY

Merri Abba Bora 87KW $138,000 $13,405 10.3 years IDENTIFIES THAT MONITORING THIS INFORMATION WILL FACILITATE REPORTING

Table 4: Identified renewable energy projects WITH REFERENCE TO THE ENERGY TARGETS OF THIS PLAN. KEY DATA MAY BE MONITORED BY A The vulnerability, associated with relying on importing and purchasing electricity, is a key area in this energy THIRD-PARTY TO REVIEW PERFORMANCE AND management plan that Council aims to address, to become more resilient and retain wealth in the region. FACILITATE REPORTING.

Council will develop a dashboard that allows this data to be reported through an appropriate system that will inform Council and the community of the effectiveness of the activities undertaken.

18 19 MONITORING AND REPORTING COUNCIL VISION

02/ FREQUENCY OF 03/ MEASURES OF REPORTING SUCCESS FINANCIAL This plan sets out regular reporting and The reporting outlined above is necessary to communication necessary to ensure Council monitor progress in relation to targets. The key 01/ FINANCE MIXING is meeting its targets. To assist Council the measures are: MODEL following is proposed: • Carbon (CO2) emissions and energy usage by source and end-use category. COUNCIL THIS SUSTAINABILITY PLAN REQUIRES • Appoint appropriate Council staff to work • Import and export of energy into and out of the PROPOSES FINANCIAL INVESTMENT BY COUNCIL IN on projects that will facilitate the activities region. TO HAVE A RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION AND required to reach of these targets. • Actual cost savings. REVOLVING ENERGY EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE. • Establish a Council Sustainability Working • Community engagement and involvement. Team to represent sustainability across ENERGY We propose to utilise financial funding models from all departments and also work with the FUND TO internal and external sources including: community to promote sustainability. CONTINUALLY • Internal sustainability allocation through Council • Quarterly reporting at Council meetings, INVEST project budgeting and re-investing savings through Operational Management Team (OMT) an internal revolving energy fund (i.e. some of the meetings specifically an agenda item to REALISED generated savings are used to fund further saving report on the sustainability plan progress, an SAVINGS INTO activities). update to Council of actions implemented, SUSTAINABILITY • Grant funding from existing and proposed State and and summary of any immediate/ongoing cost Federal Government initiatives savings realised. PROJECTS. • Partnerships with industry, vendors and financiers • Annual report to be issued to council and community stating how the energy strategy is progressing.

• Team review of how successful the strategies are and an opportunity to update and review 02/ REVOLVING targets. These milestones are needed to ENERGY FUND identify if strategies need to be fast tracked or financial planning is required to reach targets. Council proposes to have a Revolving Energy Fund to continually invest realised savings into sustainability projects.

Significant cost savings will be realised by investing in projects. A sustainability fund is to be created for energy projects by allocating 100% of energy savings, compared to the baseline which have been a result of this energy sustainability plan. This fund will be an important reserve to replace renewable infrastructure as it approaches its end of life. 20 21 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

01/ NETWORKING 03/ LIGHTING

COUNCIL PROPOSES TO BUILD ON Lighting upgrades provide significant potential THE EXISTING PARTNERSHIP WITH for Council to reduce operating costs and reduce Councils carbon footprint. Lighting upgrades PENRITH CITY COUNCIL AND UTILISE generate energy savings of at least 50% when light THE SUSTAINABLE COUNCILS AND IMPLEMENTATION emitting diode (LED) technology is used instead COMMUNITIES (SCC) INITIATIVE of legacy technologies such as incandescent, OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT halogen, fluorescent, mercury vapour, metal halide COUNCIL INTENDS and sodium. TO CREATE A OF PLANNING, INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENT TO ASSIST IN THE Council is in the process of implementing a lighting SUSTAINABILITY IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS. PLAN COMMITTEE TO upgrade at the Condobolin Administration Building and has investigated the ground and sporting field DIRECT AND lighting, outlined in Table 1 (pg 15). MONITOR THE SUCCESS OF The upgrades of lighting at the sports fields have THIS PLAN. 02/ SUSTAINABILITY an identified cost of $380,000 which Council will COMMITTEE specifically target for grant funding.

The energy and CO2 emission reduction is identified Council intends to create a sustainability as 74 MWh per annum which equates to 62 Tonnes committee to direct and monitor the success of of CO2 per annum. This corresponds to $19,924 this plan. in energy savings per annum that can be fed back into other sustainability projects and Council This committee will include members of general revenue. Council’s sustainability team, an elected Councillor, and other identified influencers in Council is committed to auditing all of our sites the community. over the next two (2) years to ensure it can reach the target of reducing lighting consumption by 50%.

22 23 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

04/ SOLAR PV 05/ POWER 06/ ENERGY efficient pumps as part of the construction of new water pumping stations at Condobolin PURCHASING STORAGE Water Treatment Plant and the Sewerage Throughout 2019, Council consumed AGREEMENTS Treatment Plant. approximately 3659 MWh of energy with an Energy storage via batteries is a way to reduce associated carbon footprint of 3,037 tonnes Council will audit all sites over the next five (5) peak demand and provide greater resilience Council has the option of participating in power of CO (excluding petrol and diesel fuel years to ensure targets meet improved efficiency 2 to sites by increasing the proportion of purchasing agreements (PPAs) with energy consumption). A significant proportion of this by 5% in the next five (5) years. renewable energy that can be consumed on site suppliers to significantly decrease energy costs energy use can be directly supplied by solar PV. without exporting. and associated carbon footprint.

The target is to implement eleven (11) identified Council will not prioritise energy storage until This requires Council’s plan to include in its solar PV projects by 2022, and the entire the financial investment is made to renewable next energy contract renewal, an element of 08/ BULK BUYING electricity consumption utilising renewable energy generation, however, in the next five (5) renewable power purchasing. For example, energy sources from 2050 (including Power years we will conduct an economic analysis of SSROC Councils have negotiated 23% of their Purchasing as discussed below). Council can support households and businesses Council sites to determine if battery storage is a energy procurement as a PPA from Origin to access high quality and cost-effective solar by viable option. Energy at a rate approximately 12% lower than These upgrades have an identified cost of facilitating a bulk-buy in partnership with vetted grid energy. $629,000 which Council will specifically target installing contractors or via a third-party. Energy storage is to be explored to manage peak for grant funding. The simple payback of these demand by charging with solar or from the grid Currently Council purchases 100% of its energy projects is also approximately 6.4 years. Aggregating demand as a bulk-purchase can during off peak times, including participating in from the grid. Due to the structure of the revised incentivise reputable installers in regional NSW virtual power plants to maximise revenue as this energy contract the application of Solar PPA’s to travel to Lachlan Shire Council and spread This corresponds to as much as $98,218 in market develops. are prohibited until the end of 2022. energy savings per annum that can be fed back the cost across multiple installs, which would into other sustainability projects or Council’s otherwise be cost prohibitive for The assessment of the value of Solar PPA’s general revenue. one-off installations. should be commenced by Council through Early 2021 so that directions can be considered 07/ PUMPING Council intends to encourage discounts and established. on behalf of the community by managing a competitive tender for installers to be eligible This plan previously identified pumping as the It is estimated after the significant cost to participate in the bulk buy. This initiative will single largest sector for electricity usage within reductions offered on the new contract, a help to ensure a higher quality solar PV system Council and therefore any optimisation in solar PPA could reduce total electricity costs as poor performance will result in the expulsion efficiency will have significant effects on cost and by a further 13.6% or approximately $188,000 of contractors. energy savings. per annum.

Council intends to engage eligible contractors in As part of Council’s plan, Council will ensure Council aims to target at least 50% renewable the installation of systems for Council to validate energy efficiency becomes a key element of all PPA from 2023 and 100% PPA from 2030. performance and further encourage bulk- future pumping capital works projects. Council These savings are subject to participation with purchasing discounts. will request a cost benefit analysis for energy Joint Organisation of Council to facilitate this contract negotiation.

24 25 MONITORING AND REPORTING COMMUNITY PROJECTS

COMMUNITY 01/ BASELINE 03/ FUNDING

COUNCIL AIMS AS PART OF ITS ENERGY Council intends to act as a facilitator to the community in obtaining and distributing state SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY TO EVALUATE PROJECTS and federal funding for community projects. THE ADOPTION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Significant investment in the region has been FROM 2023, COUNCIL WILL ENGAGE THE WITHIN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA identified as a government priority, and it is COMMUNITY AS A COLLATIVE APPROACH TO AND THE ENERGY LITERACY OF ITS the role of Council to ensure that this is made REDUCE THE TOTAL ENERGY FOOTPRINT. CONSTITUENTS. available to our constituents and deployed in a responsible and reliable way.

This initiative will serve to set a baseline from which to compare the success of its initiative within the community. 04/ ENGAGEMENT

For the initial period until 2023, under this plan 02/ EDUCATION Council will focus on the implementation of the projects and communicate the successes.

Council will facilitate workshops for the community to improve energy literacy. This From 2023, Council will engage the community includes how to read your bill, understanding as a collative approach to reduce the total energy your energy needs and sources and solar footprint in the Local Government Area. This will workshops. Through regular reporting Council involve a structured community engagement will share the experience and the benefits that process to identify targets that Council and have been realised through any energy initiatives community can work together to achieve which implemented as described above. will set out a clear pathway to success.

26 27 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

THIS WILL ENSURE THAT ALL INVOLVED, KEY FROM COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY CAN SEE THE VALUE OF THE PLAN AND SUPPORT CHALLENGES THE PROJECTS CARRIED OUT.

THE PRIMARY CHALLENGE FOR LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL, IN ACHIEVING THE TARGETS SET OUT IN THIS PLAN, IS COUNCIL IS RESOURCE CONSTRAINED IN;

The expertise and human resources (time) to deliver on the elements within this plan.

• Constraints of funds to initiate projects.

• Savings from energy efficiency and solar projects being redirected into other projects or cross subsidising Council’s General Revenue.

• Part of the success of this Energy Sustainability Plan relies on accessing grant funding.

Council recognises that accessing grant funding requires a considerable amount of time and resources. To obtain grant funding Council must increase its resource capacity within the sustainability area of Council. To overcome such challenges, there are several options we will review:

• Appoint an energy sustainability role internally

• Seek external assistance such as the SCC program to provide these resources.

• Appoint an agent within the wider regional organisations of Councils.

Changed management can also be a challenge in addressing the objectives of this plan. Council must ensure that it communicates the benefits of each activity beyond the outcomes of “business as usual”. This will ensure that all involved, from Council and the community can see the value of the plan and support the projects carried out.

28 29 Happy Valley Caravan Park, Tullamore Residential 20875 Hacc Centre, 7 Melrose St, Recreation 26250 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Condobolin NSW 2877 Road, Tottenham NSW 2873 Library, 132 Bathurst Street, Recreation 26153 Lot 7057 McInnes Street, Lake Residential 381 APPENDIX 1 ENERGY USAGE PER SITE (KWH). Condobolin NSW 2877 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Memorial Park, Bena St, Recreation 86 Site 2 Naradhan Street, Lake Residential 3955 Burcher NSW 2671 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Burcher Dam, Bena St, Pump 16448 Netball Court Lights, Lake Street, Recreation 639 127 Bathurst Street, Services 5190 Yearly Burcher NSW 2671 Condobolin NSW 2877 Site Type Electricity Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Usage Caravan Park Sewer Pump, Tullamore Pump 231 Oasis Walkway Lightning, 69 Bathurst Recreation 3164 35 Bathurst Street, Services 3540 Road, Tottenham NSW 2873 Street, Condobolin NSW 2877 Condobolin NSW 2877 14 Federation Street, Albert NSW Other 514 Filter Plant, Canada Street, Pump 259 Park, Cargelligo St, Recreation 5063 35A Foster Street, Lake Services 18047 2 Wiradjuri Way, Condobolin NSW 2877 Other 2202 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Tullibigeal NSW 2669 Cargelligo NSW 2672 35 Marsden Street, Other 22450 Goobang Water Pump Station, Pump 171883 Pony Club Ground, Diggers Recreation 0 49 Bathurst Street, Services 22 Condobolin NSW 2877 Weir St, Condobolin NSW 2877 Ave, Condobolin NSW 2877 Condobolin NSW 2877 Canada St, Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Other 0 Lsc Bore Pump, Mission Rd, Pump 460 Public Park, Lachlan Street, Recreation 1049 5 Melrose Street, Services 53350 Canada Street, Lake Other 0 Condobolin NSW 2877 Condobolin NSW 2877 Condobolin NSW 2877 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Merri Abba Bore 2, DPL 1162020, Pump 351387 Recreation Ground, Lake Street, Recreation 3751 59 Bathurst Street, Services 5919 Conapaira St, Lake Other 3616 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Condobolin NSW 2877 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Merri Abba Bore 3, Lachlan Valley Pump 37314 Recreation Grounds , Minalong Recreation 2050 6 Bathurst Street, Services 88938 Conapaira Street, Lake Other 228 Way, Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Street, Tottenham NSW 2873 Condobolin NSW 2877 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Merri Abba High Lift Pump Pump 48711 Recreation Grounds, , Lake Recreation 12178 62/64 Molong St, Services 157568 Condobolin Rd, Fifield NSW 2877 Other 0 Station, Lachlan Valley Way, Cargelligo NSW 2672 Condobolin NSW 2877 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Builders Supply, Resevoir Hill, Services 187 Condobolin Road, Lake Other 77476 Rodeo Ground, Diggers Ave, Recreation 3289 Condobolin NSW 2877 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Mine Tank, Moodana Street, Pump 4504 Condobolin NSW 2877 Tottenham NSW 2873 Bush Fire Brigade, Marsden Services 8151 Curran St, Burcher NSW 2671 Other 5032 Sports Ground, Burgooney Recreation 2019 Pump Pretty Valley Lake , Cargelligo Pump 36461 Rd, Tullibigeal NSW 2669 Street, Condobolin NSW 2877 Diggers Ave, Condobolin NSW 2877 Other 6599 Rd, Tullibigeal NSW 2669 SRA Ground, Diggers Ave, Recreation 112383 Condobolin Airport, Trundle Services 161 Diggers Avenue, Diggers Avenue, Other 22384 Pump Shed, Tullibigeal Hill, Pump 1 Condobolin NSW 2877 Road, Condobolin NSW 2877 Condobolin NSW 2877 Tullibigeal NSW 2669 Swimming Pool, Conapaira Street, Recreation 56247 Depot, Mogille Street, Services 6171 Foster Street, Lake Other 8957 Pump Station, Lake Street, Pump 24878 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Tottenham NSW 2873 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Swimming Pool, Harding Avenue, Recreation 301789 Fire Station, Umang Street, Services 19 Golf Links Road, Condobolin NSW 2877 Other 78570 Pump Station, Loughnan Street, Pump 2618 Condobolin NSW 2877 Tottenham NSW 2873 Grace Street, Lake Other 9818 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Tottenham Racecource, Racecourse Recreation 7357 Rural Fire Service Shed, Comeback Services 742 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Pump Station, Uabba Street, Pump 1540 Road, Tottenham NSW 2873 Street, Albert NSW 2873 Gumbend Road, Gumbend Other 53273 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Town Park, Lachlan St, Recreation 11731 Rural Fire Service, Kurrajong Services 1165 Road, Condobolin NSW 2877 Raw Water Pump Station, Lachlan Pump 57564 Condobolin NSW 2877 St, Burcher NSW 2877 Johnston Street, Lake Other 99 Street, Lake Cargelligo NSW 2877 17 McDonnell St, Residential 1502 Rural Fire Service, Moodana Services 1176 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Sewer Pump For Industrial Area, Pump 1800 Condobolin NSW 2877 St, Tottenham NSW 2873 Lachlan St, Condobolin NSW 2877 Other 16179 Maitland St, Condobolin NSW 2877 2/42 McGregor St, Residential 10536 Rural Fire Services Shed, Parkes Services 830 Lachlan Valley Way (A), Lake Other 52927 Sewer Pump for Residence Pump 50 Condobolin NSW 2877 Rd, Derriwong NSW 2877 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Gumbend Road, Gumbend 3 Abattoir House , Kiacatoo Residential 3364 Saleyards, Maitland St, Services 2 Road, Condobolin NSW 2877 Lachlan Valley Way (B), Lake Other 664 Road, Condobolin NSW 2877 Condobolin NSW 2877 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Sewerage Works , Minalong Pump 13402 3 Slee Street, Fifield NSW 2875 Residential 189 State Emergency Service, Marsden Services 7519 Lake Street, Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Other 12552 Street, Tottenham NSW 2873 St, Condobolin NSW 2877 33 Johnston Street, Lake Residential 31 Tullibigeal Pump , Gubbatta Pump 49623 Melrose St, Condobolin NSW 2877 Other 0 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Toilet Block, 51 Bathurst Street, Services 1065 Road, Tullibigeal NSW 2669 Condobolin NSW 2877 Moulder St, Condobolin NSW 2877 Other 4014 Campdraft, Diggers Ave, Residential 0 Water Filtration Plant, Bobadah Pump 10100 Naradhan Street, Lake Other 13583 Condobolin NSW 2877 Tottenham Reservoir and Depot, Services 1387 Road, Tottenham NSW 2873 Moodana Street , Tottenham NSW 2873 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Caravan Park, Diggers Ave, Residential 109310 Water Tower, Uabba St, Lake Pump 448949 Naradhan Street, Lake Other 0 Condobolin NSW 2877 Truck Wash, Maitland Street, Services 368 Cargelligo NSW 2877 Condobolin NSW 2877 Cargelligo NSW 2672 Caravan Park, Naradhan Street, Residential 94179 Water Treatment Leg of Mutton Dam, Pump 1636 Officers Parade, Officers Parade, Other 6386 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Tullibigeal Bush Fire Brigade, Dundoo Services 440 Bobadah Road, Tottenham NSW 2873 Street, Tullibigeal NSW 2669 Condobolin NSW 2877 Caretaker Cottage - during Residential 2978 Water Treatment Works, Parkes Pump 296856 Slee St, Fifield NSW 2875 Other 10396 new construction, 111 Umang Carpark Lighting, 69 Bathurst Street 1999 Road, Condobolin NSW 2877 Street, Condobolin NSW 2877 Slee Street, Fifield NSW 2877 Other 221 Street, Tottenham NSW 2873 Aerodome Lighting, Trundle Recreation 652 Cnr Umang and Bulbodney Street, Residential 279 Streetlighting - unmetered, Street 50006 Uabba Street, Lake Other 442 Rd, Condobolin NSW 2877 Cnr Umang and Bulbodney Albert & Tottenham Cargelligo NSW 2672 Aerodrome , Euabalong Road, Recreation 0 Street, Tottenham NSW 2873 Streetlighting - unmetered, Street 413482 16 Mile Pump, Condobolin Road, Pump 0 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Dog Ring, Diggers Ave, Residential 3371 Condobolin Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Aussi Rules Ground Recreation 489 Condobolin NSW 2877 Albert Booster Pump, Tullamore Pump 875 Football Field, Minalong Street, Recreation 684 Gum Bend Lake - Caretaker cottage, Residential 17952 Grand Total 3659501 Road, Tottenham NSW 2873 Tottenham NSW 2873 Gum Bend Lake, Road Condobolin.

30 31 BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

Reference and acknowledgments ABS., 2016, 2016 Census QuickStats, viewed June 2020, at https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/ census/2016/quickstat/LGA14600?opendocument

Lachlan Shire Council., 2017, Community Strategic Plan. Lachlan Shire Council., 2013, Lachlan Local Environmental Plan. Lachlan Shire Council., 2018, Development Control Plan. Lachlan Shire Council,. 2019 Destination Management Plan. NSW Department of Planning., 2017, Central West and Orana Region Plan 2036

Images: Stephen Graham, Nicole Leighton, Dean Johnson, Gus Blacker and Leanne Budworth, ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com. LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL Lachlan.nsw.gov.au Phone: (02) 6895 1900