Organiser Dr Matthew Nott says that the funds raised for the Jindabyne BIG SWIM on 22 February will go directly towards purchasing 2 kw solar panels for the Jindabyne Rural Fire Service.
“This is taking climate change to the coal face with practical solutions that will cut energy consumption and at the same time earn green dollars for the Jindabyne RFS.”
“Combined with a national gross feed in tariff for solar energy and all renewable energy sources, 2 kw solar panels will earn the Jindabyne RFS about $1,000 p.a. for the local brigade and assist more sheds across the region to fit out with solar power.”
Organiser of the 22 February Jindabyne Big Swim and Sustainable Households Expo at Jindabyne’s Banjo Paterson Park Acacia Rose says that practical action is the best solution to climate change and rolling out renewable energy will take the pressure off the grid.
“We welcome swimmers or teams to enter the 7 kilometre Big Swim from Kalkite to Banjo Paterson Park as well as the Little Swims of 100 m and 400 m for Nippers and all other swimmers.”
“We also invite exhibitors for the Sustainable House Expo supported by the Snowy River Shire Council so people can see exactly how they can make their homes more energy efficient, cool in summer and warm in winter, cut their energy consumption and access government grants for solar panels, solar hot water heating etc.”
“Snowy River Shire Council is co-organiser of the Sustainable House Expo.”
“The Council has signed a 50:50 by 20:20 target, that is, 50% cut in energy consumption and 50% renewable energy by 2020 and their practical involvement in assisting households is invaluable and welcome.”
“We hope to have all Councils across Eden-Monaro sign onto the target with Federal Member Dr Mike Kelly also supporting the target.”
“Mike Kelly will swim on the day and is rallying support for his swim from Members of Parliament and other colleagues in Canberra to donate to the Jindabyne RFS solar panels.”
Dr Matthew Nott said “we hope to make the Life Saving Swim series a national campaign to raise funds for solar panels for all RFS / CFS sheds and also continue the swims for renewable energy for Surf Life Saving Clubs around the country.”
“These people are at the coal face dealing with climate change on a daily basis and deserve our support.”