Environmental Sustainability

Solar Energy Initiatives

Council Solar Program

All council-owned buildings are being fitted with solar panels:

• Council offices: 150kW solar array installed 2024
• Recreation centers: 200kW capacity across 3 facilities
• Libraries: 50kW rooftop solar systems
• Community centers: Solar panels on all new buildings
• Street lighting: Converting to solar-powered LED lights

Results to date:

• 40% of council electricity now from renewable sources
• Annual savings of $180,000 on energy costs
• Reduction of 520 tonnes CO2 emissions per year

Community Solar Gardens

New initiative allowing residents to invest in shared solar energy:

• Buy panels in community solar farm
• Receive credits on electricity bills
• Ideal for renters and apartments
• No installation or maintenance required
• Opening: July 2026

Residential Solar Rebate

Council offers rebates for home solar installations:

• $500 rebate for systems 3-5kW
• $1,000 rebate for systems 5kW+
• Additional $500 for battery storage
• Free solar assessment and quotes
• Interest-free loans available

Water Saving Programs

Desert-Smart Garden Program

FREE program to help residents create water-wise gardens:

• Workshops: Monthly workshops on desert landscaping (FREE)
• Garden consultations: Free home visit from horticulturist
• Native plant vouchers: $100 voucher for native plants
• Mulch program: Free mulch delivery (up to 2 cubic meters)
• Drip irrigation rebate: 50% rebate on drip irrigation systems (max $500)

Rainwater Tank Rebate

Incentives for installing rainwater tanks:

• $200 rebate for tanks 2,000L - 5,000L
• $400 rebate for tanks 5,000L - 10,000L
• $600 rebate for tanks 10,000L+
• Free plumbing advice and design assistance

Greywater Systems

Support for residential greywater reuse:

• Approval and permits for greywater systems
• Information sessions on safe greywater use
• $300 rebate for approved greywater systems
• Diversion kits available at cost price

Smart Water Meter Program

FREE smart water meters for all residents:

• Real-time water usage monitoring via app
• Leak detection alerts
• Usage comparison with similar properties
• Water saving tips and recommendations

Zero Waste Initiatives

Enhanced Recycling Program

Expanded recycling services for all households:

• 4-bin system: General waste, recycling, green waste, glass
• Collection: Weekly recycling, fortnightly general waste
• Accepted items: Paper, cardboard, plastics 1-7, metals, glass
• Green waste: Garden clippings, food scraps (compostable)
• E-waste collection: Quarterly collections at your door

Community Composting Hubs

5 community composting locations across Gibson Desert:

• Drop-off food scraps and garden waste
• Collect free compost for your garden
• Composting workshops and education
• Open 7 days a week, 7am - 7pm

Home Composting Support

• Compost bins: Subsidized bins at $25 (usually $100)
• Worm farms: Subsidized at $30 (usually $120)
• Bokashi systems: Subsidized at $20 (usually $80)
• Workshops: Free monthly composting workshops

Repair Café

When: First Saturday of each month, 9am - 1pm
Where: Central Community Hall
Cost: FREE

• Bring broken items for free repair
• Volunteer fixers help repair electronics, clothing, furniture, bikes
• Learn repair skills and reduce waste
• Spare parts available at cost

Soft Plastics Recycling

Drop-off locations for soft plastics:

• Council offices and libraries
• All community centers
• Transfer station
• Accepts: plastic bags, wrappers, bubble wrap, food pouches

Greening Gibson Desert

10,000 Trees Program

Council's ambitious tree planting initiative:

• Target: 10,000 native trees by 2030
• Progress: 3,200 trees planted (2020-2026)
• Locations: Streets, parks, nature strips, reserves
• Species: Desert-adapted natives (River Red Gum, Ghost Gum, Desert Oak, Mulga)
• Benefits: Cooling, habitat, air quality, amenity

Free Tree Program

Residents can receive FREE native trees for their property:

• Up to 5 free native trees per property per year
• Includes planting guide and care instructions
• Optional planting assistance for seniors
• Collection days: Monthly at community centers

Community Planting Days

Join community tree planting events:

• When: Quarterly events (March, June, September, December)
• Activities: Plant 200-500 trees per event
• Includes: Morning tea, tools provided, family-friendly
• Register: Online or call (08) 8950 0590

Nature Strips Program

Transform your nature strip into a green oasis:

• Apply to garden your nature strip
• Council provides design approval and plant list
• $200 voucher for approved designs
• Must use water-wise, native plants

Wildlife Habitat Program

Create wildlife-friendly gardens:

• FREE workshops on attracting native wildlife
• Nest box construction workshops
• Subsidized nest boxes for sale ($15)
• Bird bath and water feature advice
• Native bee hotel kits available

Active Transport Initiatives

Bike Alice Program

• Bike paths: Expanding network - 45km of dedicated bike paths by 2027
• Bike racks: Installing 200 new bike racks across town
• End-of-trip facilities: Showers and lockers at council buildings
• Ride2Work program: Incentives for commuters who cycle

E-Bike Rebate Program

Council offers rebates for e-bike purchases:

• $500 rebate for e-bike purchase
• $300 rebate for e-cargo bike
• Must be used for commuting purposes
• Free bike maintenance workshops

Electric Vehicle Charging

• 6 public EV charging stations installed
• FREE charging at all council facilities
• Expanding network to 15 stations by 2027
• Home EV charger rebate ($500)

Park & Ride

• FREE parking at 3 Park & Ride locations
• Regular bus service to CBD
• Bike lockers available
• Carpool matching service