Monday 2 June 2008

Power up on sun, wind and water

Coffs Coast Advocate
Saturday 24/5/2008 Page: 30

THE Renewable Energy Fair, being held in the Bellingen Showgrounds, starts at 8am today and continues through until 4pm. "This is the second year we have held this fair," Bellingen Climate Action Group spokesperson, Lisa Siegelon said. "And it was a spectacular event last year, so don't miss this one." Entry is by donation. Businesses will have exhibits covering solar power, wind and hydro power, as well as insulation and solar hot water systems.

A highlight will be the major raffle - a '1kW grid connect solar power system', valued at $13,500 - which will be drawn on site at 2pm by Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Mark Troy. Second prize is two nights accommodation at Lily Pily, a 4.5 Green Star Bed & Breakfast.

There will be a lucky-gate prize of thousands of dollars worth of LED lighting products from Planet Lighting. "These lights are the first of their kind in Australia - they have no toxic disposal problems, use a tiny amount of power and are produced in Bellingen." Other lucky gate prizes include gift vouchers from Kombu Wholefoods.

Visitors to the fair will be able to listen to presenters throughout the day, such Chris Reardon, the author of 'Your Home', an Australian guide to environmentally sustainable homes. Or Russell Simmons, who will give an update on the Currumbin Ecovillage, ABC New Inventors judge, Alison Page, is another presenter, and a recent episode winner, Solar Dryers Australia, will show its Solar Hybrid Kiln. Another local invention, the Kalang Solar Tracker, adds at least 50 per cent to solar panel output and will be at the fair.

There will be plenty of time for questions of each presenter and retailers at the fair too. People will be able to try out a solar powered massage chair; there will be everything from quirky gadgets to wholesome cakes; horse carriage rides to hybrid electric cars and electric bikes, and so much more. So get down to Bellingen Showgrounds today, and check out the Bellingen Renewable Energy Fair
2008.

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