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This article was published on Friday, 1 August, 2014. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Watts working better project launch

The Member for Murray, the Hon. Dr Sharman Stone officially launched the project by switching on the new streetlights in front of a crowd of 90 people. Kate Auty, past commissioner for Sustainability and Environment, emceed the event attended by Local Council Representatives, community groups and students from Grahamvale Primary School.

The Goulburn Broken Greenhouse Alliance and Greater Shepparton City Council received $2.95 Million of funding from the Australian Government towards the ‘Watts Working Better’ project.

The alliance is made up of the Goulburn Broken CMA, Benalla, Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Mansfield, Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Strathbogie and partner Wangaratta Councils.

The project involves changing more than 12,600 street lights to more energy efficient alternatives, reducing energy use by 3,724,136 kWh per year. This will contribute to a reduction in greenhouse emissions by 93,100 tonnes over 20 years and a projected cost saving of $782,921 per year across the nine councils.

The Hon. Dr Sharman Stone said, ‘This project is not just about changing light globes, it has benefits to the greater community, including the younger generations who will benefit from the energy efficiency of the lights in the future.’

Also launched was the project website with an interactive map detailing where street lights are yet to be changed in the Council areas, and short video clip explaining the project.

Keep up to date with works and news on Twitter: twitter.com/WattsBetter, Facebook: facebook.com/WattsWorkingBetter and on the website www.wattsworkingbetter.com.au