Project overview

Kooma Energy Project

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is excited to be assisting the Kooma Traditional Owners Association Incorporated (KTOAI) to sustainably meet the energy needs on their two properties, Murra Murra and Bendee Downs, located in South-West Queensland.

 The Project goals are to:

-         install a solar panel system (~9.8kVa) which will reduce Kooma’s overall grid-drawn energy consumption

-         allow the export excess energy to the grid

-         lower Kooma’s current energy usage by 50% through implementing energy saving initiatives.

The aims are to reduce energy consumption and create community awareness and education on the importance of energy conservation and the reduction of greenhouse emissions. Therefore making KTOAI a net exporter of renewable energy!

The project is managed by an EWB volunteer team of twelve and is sponsored by Virgin Blue, who have donated a generous $145,000 for the project, so now it is all systems go!


BACKGROUND

EWB and KTOAI have been working together and building a strong positive relationship for the past three years. EWB volunteer Nicole Teo helped to begin this relationship when she became involved in assisting the Kooma people to develop and implement a waste management plan.  Since then, Nicole has worked with KTOAI to initiate several other projects and nurtured a close working partnership and friendship between EWB and KTOAI.

In April 2008 EWB volunteer Todd Houstein and Nicole Teo visited Murra Murra and Bendee Downs to conduct an in-depth energy audit and to start discussions with the Kooma Traditional Owners around a potential energy project for Murra Murra and Bendee Downs. A meeting was held to share ideas and information and to gain an understanding of the needs and vision of the Kooma Traditional Owners.  During this meeting, Cheryl Buchanan (KTOAI Chairperson) identified the following KTOAI goals:

  • Address the energy demands on both properties
  • Take care of the environment
  • Become self-sufficient
  • Reduce running costs of the properties
  • Lead by example
  • Improve the reliability of electricity supply
  • Provide alternative sources of income to help manage the properties


RECOMMENDATIONS

Todd compiled and analysed the information he had gathered on Murra Murra and Bendy Down’s properties and revisited the Kooma Traditional Owners in November 2008 to present his recommendations at the KTOAI board meeting in Cunnamulla. His report contained an overview of the current energy use, potential energy saving measures, local renewable energy resources and possible electricity supply solutions.

The report detailed suggestions on how the project should be approached and contained two main recommendations:

  • To install a grid connected solar panel system (~9.8kVa)
  • That persons accessing Murra Murra and Bendy Downs lower their current energy usage by 50%. 

The Board members were extremely pleased and as excited about the suggestions as Todd was!


WHY SOLAR?

When Todd conducted his initial survey of the energy requirements and possible renewable energy resources at the two sites Murra Murra and Bendee Downs, it became obvious that wind and water were two natural renewable resources that didn’t occur often enough out Murra Murra and Bendee Downs!  Evidently wind and water were not going to be reliable sources of energy for electricity generation.  However, it is definitely “sunburnt country”, and so it was decided that solar energy was the most economical and technically appropriate renewable energy resource for the site.

The properties are grid-connected, which means that excess electricity generated by solar panels can be sold back to the grid. Likewise, shortfalls in generation can be made up by buying electricity from the grid.

Todd estimated that, if successful the project will contribute towards KTOAI’s goals in the following ways:

  • Taking care of the environment: A reduction of 60 tonnes CO2-eq per annum of greenhouse gas emissions
  • Become self-sufficient: Kooma will Generate  more electricity than they use
  • Reduce running costs: Kooma will gain $2,500 per annum revenue instead of spending $5000 per annum on electricity usage
  • Lead by example: The project can be used as a demonstration of what can be achieved using solar energy and energy efficiency, and forming strong, long lasting partnerships.
  • Improve reliability of electricity supply: If KTOAI decide to install a back-up generator as well as the solar panel systems for when the demand is simply too great for the solar panels to handle,  reliability will be improved.
  • Provide alternative sources of income: Revenue from selling electricity to the grid will provide income.
  • Furthermore, the project presents the opportunity to formally train Kooma people in several areas, which would increase their knowledge and capacity for income earning prospects.

 In addition to the project-specific goals mentioned above, the following EWB-KTOAI partnership goals could also be addressed by this project:

  • Develop Kooma community capacity through direct transfer of knowledge and skills and providing opportunities for training.
  • Further develop an engaging and meaningful relationship between EWB volunteers and the Kooma nation that promotes mutual respect.
  • Share the lessons and experiences from the project and partnership to inspire others to work towards positive change.

Develop Project sustainability by incorporating effective involvement of Kooma people in the project wherever appropriate.


KTOAI BACKGROUND

In 1998, the Indigenous Land Council acquired two adjoining properties, Murra Murra and Bendee Downs, covering a total of 87,159 hectares. In January 2000, the KTOAI was established and was officially granted the two properties, known as Murra Murra and Bendee downs. The properties are situated approximately 75km south west of Bollon and 100km east of Cunnamulla and are a small part of the traditional Kooma Country.

The formal objectives of the organisation are to provide environmental, social and cultural benefits to all the Kooma people. The KTOAI wishes to plan and manage Murra Murra and Bendee Downs primarily for cultural and natural heritage protection. Their vision is to use the properties as a “regional hub”, a training ground and base for the renewal of all Kooma people and the protection and sustainable management of the land.


KTOAI AND EWB PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

EWB and the Kooma Nation will work proudly together to improve the quality of life of Kooma people through education and sustainable engineering projects. 

Through these projects the engineering profession and the Kooma people will build strong relationships based on a two way sharing of knowledge and cultures.  This will further EWB’s ultimate goal of a reconciled Australia by becoming more culturally aware and responsible, and inspiring others into action.


KOOMA ENERGY PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE:

  • Kooma Energy Project volunteer team appointed
  • Indigenous cross cultural training completed
  • Kooma Energy Project team visit Murra Murra
  • Kooma Energy Project team and KTOAI decide on time line of activities.
  • Technical team research, design and source the type of Solar Panel system to be installed -  9.8kW Sungrid system.
  • Technical team select the appropriate site for the Solar Panel system -  

Bendee Downs on the disused tennis court.

  • Community Involvement and Project Support teams research, design and source training material appropriate to facilitate a series of energy use and efficiency workshops for Kooma young people - Emu Fest July 2009
  • Community Involvement team research and design a communication strategy for the  Kooma Energy Project, aimed at  informing stakeholders and the broader community of the project progress and to raise awareness of the importance of energy conservation - KTOAI and EWB Partnership newsletter.
  • KTOAI members and EWB Technical, Community Involvement and Project Support teams build a strong relation ship.

 Further information is available on the EWB website.