Friday, January 31, 2014

Australia:

"Waltzing Matilda" Town Considers Geothermal Power (ABC)

A western Queensland council is looking at geothermal power options for its shire.

The Winton Shire Council says it is investigating the feasibility of a low-cost geothermal power generating plant.

CEO Tom Upton says the shire is working with Local Government Infrastructure Services and a decision on the plan is expected before June.

He says the plant would generate revenue for the council, using a natural resource from the Great Artesian Basin.

"The bore water comes out of the ground at 87 degrees and the way the units work, they generate power by cooling the water," he said.

"Two units would produce about 40 per cent of Winton's power needs.

Best known as the home of Waltzing Matilda, Winton is the place that A B Banjo) Paterson wrote the Australian national song in 1895, whilst visiting Dagworth Station. Legend has it that the first public performance of Waltzing Matilda happened at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel on 6th April, 1895.

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