19/07/2005 - Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell, and Minister for Industry, Tourism
and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, today announced
the members of the expert panel formed to
help assess proposals submitted to the Australian
Government’s $75.3 million Solar Cities programme.
The panel will be chaired by Professor Brian
Spalding who is the Chief Operating Officer
of the National Electricity Market Management
Company. Other members of the panel include:
Darryl S Flukes, a consultant with expertise
across a range of energy and financial markets
Graeme Inchley, a consultant with experience
in management and strategic marketing
Paul Perkins, a consultant with expertise
in sustainability and environmental education
Drew Clarke, a senior public servant in the
Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
Dr Diana Wright, a senior public servant in
the Department of the Environment and Heritage
Mr Macfarlane said the expert panel brought
together expertise in government policy-making,
energy markets and utilities, finance and
scientific knowledge.
“This broad base of expertise is important
because Solar Cities is all about creating
sustainable communities through a combination
of approaches including improved energy-efficiency,
smart meters, solar technology, and responsive
pricing arrangements.”
Senator Campbell said today’s announcement
was another important step towards Australia
creating its first solar cities, which would
transform the way urban communities thought
about and used energy.
“The panel’s expertise will enable robust
assessments of submissions, leading to good
outcomes for business, the community, and
the Government,” Senator Campbell said.
The panel members will review all Solar Cities
submissions and recommend to the Ministers
which proposals should progress to the next
stage.
Expressions of interest close July 22 and
will be assessed during August and September.
Shortlisted submissions will then be invited
to submit full tenders and the locations of
Australia’s Solar Cities will be announced
towards the middle of 2006.
