07/09/2010 Sustainable Communities Competition finalists announced

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) has announced three finalists in the Perth Solar City's Sustainable Communities Competition, who will go on to contest the title of 'Most Sustainable Community' in Perth's Eastern Region.

The Sustainable Communities Competition opened in April 2010 and involved groups of people getting together to nominate their community as the 'Most Sustainable Community' in the areas of community, practical and social sustainability and sustainable lifestyles.

Of the eleven nominations received, three finalists were chosen and these were The Spring Road Community Kindergarten, from the Shire of Kalamunda, Mundaring Sharing, from the Shire of Mundaring and the Valley Art Group, from the City of Swan.

Courtesy of SunPower, the 'Most Sustainable Community' group will win a fully installed 2.1kW PV system and one lucky individual from within one of these groups will be chosen at random to win a fully installed 1.2kW PV system. Other prizes on offer include gift vouchers from Environment House and premium quality mulch from EMRC's Red Hill Waste Management Facility.

EMRC Chairman, Cr Graham Pittaway OAM, said "The groups chosen have made substantial contributions to their communities and will be great ambassadors for Perth Solar City and the promotion of sustainability."

Solahart WA Account Manager, Mr Simon Avery and SunPower Managing Director, Mr Bob Blakiston, said the companies are excited to be a part of the competition, which is encouraging people to adopt solar technology and more sustainable ways of living.

Perth Solar City is part of the Australian Government's $94m Solar Cities initiative designed to help households change the way they produce, use and save energy.

Residents of Perth's Eastern Region are eligible for a free home eco-consultation and valuable discounts on solar energy and hot water systems.

For more information on the Sustainable Communities Competition visit www.perthsolarcity.com.au or phone the Perth Solar City team on 1300 993 268.

*EMRC's member Councils - Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan.