Council engaged the company 100% Renewables to develop a Renewable Engergy Action Plan (REAP). Council's goal was to identify and prioritise opportunities that will help it to cost-effectively increase the amount of renewable energy at its facilities and lower energy demand through the REAP.

"Costed short and medium-term energy efficiency and renewable energy projects can reduce council's energy and emissions and be good for council's bottom line," stated in the council report.

It is estimated that it will cost council $372,565 in upfront costs and save council $87,286 annually.

The council report predicted these investments would pay for themselves in 4.27 years.

This will cost an estimated $384,659 in upfront costs and save Council $119,576 annually. "These investments would pay for themselves in 3.22 years".

Short and medium-term efficiency and solar projects would also reduce grid electricity use by 22 per cent, reduce gas use by 86 per cent and reduce the council's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 15 per cent.

The council has not made any provision in the 2020-2021 Operational Plan and Budget to undertake any of the projects outlined in the REAP.

The REAP does not include consideration of Council being an electricity retailer or Council purchasing renewable energy directly from a Wind Farm or other renewable energy utility in the short to medium term.

Identified actions are in the short, medium and long term and will assist council to engage with, develop and implement opportunities for renewable energy purchasing and sustainable transport.

"In addition to discrete energy saving projects, council can make further energy use savings and cost savings through its normal procurement processes, by adopting sustainable procurement guidelines for local governments".