ZNET Uralla Case Study
For the ZNET Blueprint to be a success we need to resolve a path that is both ambitious, realisable and in the long interest of the local community. In any successful plan we need to carefully consider and balance the following factors:
Feasible – What is technically and practically feasible?
Viable – What can be financially viable?
Desirable – What do people desire?
Part of developing the blueprint and business case will be working out what the costs of implementing Z-NET are, and how they can be met, such that options are financially viable. There will be a range of funding options considered, including accessing the various government and other grants and incentives which are available from time-to-time. However it is important to make clear that there is a central principle that any upgrades ~ such as solar power or energy efficient devices ~ will be paid for by those who own and benefit from them (rather than being paid for by government or some other third party).
Part of developing the business case is ensuring that these offers and opportunities have compelling benefits, so that local residents and business want to take them up and have support to be able to do so. As part of taking steps to implement the blueprint and business case, Uralla residents will be able to choose if, when and how to make their own changes to help move Uralla towards being a Zero Net Energy Town.
