The news comes following two public meetings in the shire to gauge the level of support from residents. 

Lockhart Shire Council Mayor Rodger Schirmer told the Eastern Riverina Chronicle that the support from those meetings was unanimous.

Two meetings attracted 75 people each. The attendants learned about the possible project which could take shape in 12 to 18 months. And despite a few questions Mayor Schirmer said the support was overwhelming.

“This is fantastic and any concerns to do with billing were answered,” he said. 

The meetings which went for an hour and a half each provided an insight as to how the project would work and also informed residents that the initiative was the first of its kind for the state. 

“Lockhart will be a first,” Mayor Schirmer said. 

“I was pleased to see the support, this could mean that we can deliver power that is 20 per cent cheaper … it is also good for attracting business to the town, really it is a remarkable outcome,” he said. 

Leader of the proposed project Gordon Hinds is principal of Better Energy Technology.

He said Lockhart Shire was approached about six months ago about the renewable energy concept. 

“We are delighted that there was unanimous support from the public meeting,” he said. 

“We are delighted to be working with the town and with the people to create this new possibility.” 

Mr Hinds said Better Energy Technology was supported by partnerships with Siemens and Essential Energy had an engineering team who all have experience in building and operating renewable energy power systems. 

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