Sustainability fund grants $60,000 to solar projects in shire

About $60,000 has been awarded to solar panel projects in the latest round of funding from the Alcoa Harvey Waroona Sustainability Fund.

A total of $310,000 was approved at the Waroona Shire Council meeting last week and awarded to community groups across the shire. A grant of $20,000 was awarded for the installation of a solar power system at the new premises of the Waroona Men’s Shed.

Another $40,000 towards solar power on new units at Quambie Park was also awarded.

Waroona Bowling and Social Club received $30,000 for upgrades to the club’s bar shutters and bowling green lighting. A sum of $50,000 went towards site works for the construction of the new Waroona West Volunteer Bushfire Brigade station.

A grant of $50,000 was awarded towards the creation of the Waroona youth precinct, and $50,000 towards a main extension of the Waroona Agricultural Society clubrooms. Some $40,000 was awarded to playground upgrades to various parks across the shire, including Lake Clifton and Hamel.

Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley said the fund’s committee was “inundated” with more than $1 million of requests for funding and it had been a difficult process to narrow down the list.

He said the fund was a great asset for the Waroona community.

“It gives the community a tool to build on sustainability and make our towns liveable,” Mr Walmsley said.

“The fact they (Alcoa) have committed to at least another 10 years as well is great.”