By Derek Schlennstedt
Warburton’s picturesque Ythan Creek is set to return to its former glory days as a hydro power supplier.
The $1 million project will power 150 homes around the Warburton area and was confirmed as going ahead on Monday after it received backing from the State Government.
On 25 September, Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, visited the site at Ythan Creek and announced $450,000 in grant funding to the Warburton hydro project.
That funding accompanies an already dedicated amount of $650,000 from Upper Yarra Community Enterprise (UYCE) and another $100,000 support from Yarra Ranges Council and energy retailer Powershop.
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor, Jim Child said the funding announcement came after years of collaboration between UYCE, council and the Community and was a “tremendous outcome”.
“This is a fantastic piece of news for the community, but not only that but for the Yarra Ranges,” Cr Child said.
“To have the community on board, our local enterprise on board and our local municipality has been amazing.”
“It doesn’t depend on the wind, doesn’t depend on the sun, just water flow coming for the Ythan creek.”
The fast-flowing Ythan Creek is a natural feature on Warburton Golf course and the project will utilise the creek by drawing water into a generator-powered turbine and converting it into energy – with the water then returned to the creek.
The project is estimated to generate around 800,000 kilowatt hours of power – equivalent of the power required for up to 150 homes, and the retail value of the power would be in excess of $200,000 a year.
At the announcement UYCE director Joy McConachy paid tribute to the efforts of late chairman, Peter Kimberley, in bringing the project to life.
She said Mr Kimberley’s contributions would be immortalised through the project.
“Peter was amazing on the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, and we would like to officially name the powerhouse, when built, the Peter Kimberley Powerhouse, recognising his tireless work,” she said.
At the council meeting on 26 September Councillor Child anticipated that the project would be completed by the middle of next year.
