Times & MAFF FR RA R A SPECTA CTATOR OR
74 Macalister Street, Sale WEATHER
www.gippslandtimes.com.au
TUESDAY, 7 FEBRUARY, 2023
Thursday Partly cloudy - Min: 17 Max: 27
Wednesday Cloudy - Min: 12 Max: 23
Tel: 03 5143 9333
$1.70 Inc. GST INSIDE
Friday Showers - Min: 15 Max: 31
PropertyGuide GippslandTimes
WELCOME BACK CAT CURFEW PAGE 3
Group Captain Brett ttt Williams has returned to the region, this time as the new Senior ADF Off fficer f at RAA RA AAF A Base East Sale. RA RAA AAF A COLUMN - PAGE 7
SALE ART CIRCLE FEATURE - PAGE 11
Future of farming Stefan Bradley
WATER DRAGONS PAGE 30
ORGANIC producers, Wilandra Farms, hosted a field day for the public last week, to learn more about renewable energy projects on farms and the opportunities a reduced carbon footprint will bring to the region. The day began with a conference session at The Stables in Sale at 8.45am on Thursday, with experts on dairy farming and renewable energy together under one roof. More than 200 delegates, mostly farmers, sat down to listen to speakers such as Lachlan Monsbourgh from Rabobank, Gabriel Hakin from AgVet Energy, Farmers for Climate Action chair Charlie Prell, and Steve Soutar of AEI. Moragh Mackay was the master of
ceremonies for the official proceedings. After finishing up, there was a rendezvous at the farm itself in Clydebank at 1.15pm for lunch and more speakers. There was also an opportunity to network, and take a look at solar panels, wind turbines, automation of centre pivots, the energy management system, an electric side-by-side vehicle, and a hydrogen-powered generator. Wilandra Farms owners, Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford, also spoke throughout the day to discuss steps to minimise emissions. Ms Jefford told the Gippsland Times she was very happy at the turnout, and hoped attendees would see that renewable energy is a good option ofor many farms. “We’ve got a total of 200 kilowatts of
solar panels on the ground, and it doesn’t take up that much space,” she said. “So do an assessment and see whether it’s going to work on your farm.” Ms Jefford said that agricultural industries had a large role to play in reducing emissions. “There’s a lot we can do in terms of energy efficiency, using renewable energy, storing more carbon in the soil, planting trees that are going to store carbon long-term,” she said. “We all just need to learn from each other and see what we can do.” The solar panels have dramatically reduced Wilandra Farm’s energy bills, according to Ms Jefford. “In previous seasons we were spending $80,000 (a year) for irrigation, which was too much for a farm of our size. But last
The Mighty
Miss M iss those those good old good old hairdos? hairdos?
In stock and available now!
SALE MITSUBISHI
273 York Street, Sale
Phone: 5144 1311 GP1646031
year, our irrigation bill was only $1200.” “The money we were paying for energy bills we would shift to equipment finance loans, and in seven years when that’s paid off, we’ve got completely free power.” The farm also has new wind turbines that benefit from an easterly wind nearly every afternoon from the Gippsland Lakes to complement the solar panels. Mr Droppert hoped that farmers would consider the possibilities. “Look at how you can reduce your demand for energy first,” he said. “Ideally, locate renewable energy in a central location, close to as much load as possible. “Use power when it’s generated, and load shift to avoid the need for batteries.” Continued Page 6
Book in that haircut!
HAIR H AIR IS IS KANYEMBA KANY View all our cars at www.salemitsubishi.com.au LMCT. 12209
GP165
Raymond Street, Sale
Phone 5144 5746 “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Epictetus