Solar project proposed for Castle Hill

Date: Tuesday, 18th August 2009

Castle Hill is set for a new high tech attraction that will showcase renewable energy and provide facilities for visitors and fitness enthusiasts.

The multi-purpose solar energy project will include fully functional and integrated building with a grid-connected solar panel system linked to displays, a bus stop shelter, public seating for scenic viewing, misting to cool walkers and other features to support fitness training.

As part of the Townsville City Council’s Citysolar program, project partner Delfin Townsville has put forward the proposal as an alternative to an earlier planned Solar Learnscape on the Strand as a commitment to the $30 million Townsville: Queensland Solar City project.

The Strand site at the Gregory St amphitheatre would have required a much larger structure than originally planned.

Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee today gave its support to the Castle Hill project proposed for a vacant area adjacent to the bus stop on the south side of the summit car park.

“This is a fantastic proposal that will have something for everyone who visits Castle Hill,” Cr Veitch said.

“Delfin have come up with a clever concept that will give people a close up experience with solar energy technology and practical facilities that provide shade, seating for visitors taking in the views and somewhere for hill walkers to exercise or just cool off.

“During the detailed design stage, Delfin found that the original Strand site would have required a much larger structure than originally planned.

“After a search for a more suitable site, Delfin has worked with council to develop an alternative proposal for Castle Hill.

“Castle Hill is one of the most visited landmarks in the city and a perfect location for this type of project.

“The solar project will raise public awareness of alternative energy among the many thousands of people who visit the hill every week, and that’s a very strong message about the city’s image.”

Cr Veitch said the council would continue to work with Delfin to ensure the design of the project was in keeping with existing shade structure and walls.

Delfin Townsville is currently working on the proposed Rocky Springs project 15km south east of the Townsville CBD. The Rocky Springs project will showcase 100 solar efficient homes across a 5 year period as part of the Solar Cities program.

The Townsville: Queensland Solar City project led by Ergon Energy is part of the Australian Government’s leading edge Solar Cities program.

Citysolar is the Council’s broad community educational program that promotes the Solar City project and a “whole of community” response to eco-efficiency in homes, buildings and business, including benefits of renewable energy options and sustainable building.