Support Us

Rural jobs, rural innovation, and rural opportunities are vital to the health and wellbeing of communities like Dorrigo. We believe that government has a role in providing a framework to allow for innovation and job creation.

Dorrigo has a history of innovative energy solutions. Indeed, in the early days of Dorrigo, a hydro-electric plant was set up on the Bielsdown River. With its hilly terrain and high rainfall, Dorrigo is an obvious place to utilise run-of-river micro-hydro systems.

However, current government regulations make such small systems completely unfeasable. Despite the fact that 100kW solar systems may be used for commercial activity and income generation without bureaucratic obstruction, micro-hydros of any size must pass various environmental and utility approvals.

This is a severe constraint to the Dorrigo Energy Centre’s proponent, Pelena Energy, and also to any business in the region that may wish to improve its bottom line and greenhouse contributions. It is therefore also a constraint to the Dorrigo Energy Centre proposal.

The recently adopted NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan indicates direct support for centres like the proposed Dorrigo Energy Centre. We are asking the NSW government for direct support through direct funding and guarantee.

How you can help

We are petitioning the NSW government, and particularly Dorrigo’s state MP Andrew Stoner, to assist us in government in getting these issues resolved in our favour. Please download, edit, and mail our letter to Andrew Stoner to ask for his support.

As a minimum, you will need to change:

The date (top left)
Your address (top right)
Your name (bottom)

This is a sample letter only. Your personal input to the correspondence would add value to this cause.