“Brighter Future” Sydney Olympic Park / Auburn short listed as Solar City site

Sydney Olympic Park and Auburn have been short listed as one of eleven communities across Australia competing to become a ‘Solar City’. The $75 million Federal Government initiative will see at least four sites across Australia given an opportunity to promote the use of renewable energy, energy conservation initiatives and implement energy demand management programs over a nine-year period.

The “Brighter Future” consortium is being coordinated by the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and brings together Auburn Council and other leading organisations from both the public and private sectors to work on this exciting proposal.

The consortium has extensive credentials and experience in the fields of place management, urban design, renewable technology, energy infrastructure and demand management, education, social research, community outreach and engagement. The bid proposal outlines over 20 innovative energy projects, which will see the precinct and the surrounding suburbs benefit from the use of solar power and other energy conservation initiatives.

Chief Executive Officer for Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Brian Newman says the Park’s commitment to the environment formed a key part of the initial solar cities submission.

“The Authority is committed to ensuring the environmental legacy created for the 2000 Olympic Games remains at the core of our plans for the future. The “Brighter Future” proposal for Solar Cities aligns with the Authority’s long term vision to establish a sustainable township at Sydney Olympic Park”, Mr Newman said.

“Located within the local government area of Auburn, a city with rich cultural diversity, our proposal for a “Brighter Future”makes strong social, economic and environmental connections between Sydney Olympic Park and Auburn”, said Mr Newman.

If successful, the Brighter Future consortium will explore ways to significantly reduce green house gas emissions in the sub-region of Western Sydney, encourage growth in Australia’s sustainability business sector, and provide a range of renewable energy and technology based educational programs and interpretive experiences.

An announcement on the successful Solar City locations is expected to be made by the Federal Government in mid-2006.

Media Contacts:

Sydney Olympic Park Authority