Ten people attended the meeting on Thursday, August 10 to form a committee and outline the direction of the voluntary group. 

Dennis Lambert was named chairperson and mayor, Neil Smith will act as deputy chair. 

“Things are changing very fast in the power scene,” Mr Lambert said. 

“Prices are going up so we have to help people be more energy efficient to get a bit more control over their bills.” 

Subcommittees were formed under the banners of energy audits, group tendering, technical advice, website and promotion and house design and retrofitting.

Mr Lambert said the committee will also focus on promoting existing sustainability efforts and boosting awareness. 

“We’ve been recycling our sewerage water in Junee for nearly 20 years and a lot of the schools have programs in place to save on energy and promote sustainability,” he said. 

“All of these things are going on and most people aren’t aware that’s it’s all happening.” 

The name and logo will be finalised following a competition run in the local schools. 

“It’s really the kids that will be so important in taking this on,” Mr Lambert said. 

Cr Smith said the idea is for residents to be able to consult with sub-committees and get quality advice. 

He said the first steps will be up-skilling committee members to undertake energy audits of homes using existing kits and to pursue group buying opportunities. 

Council has committed $2,000 towards promotion and other relevant purposes and Mr Lambert said other funds will be raised through a ‘circular funding’ model. 

In this model, solar would be installed for a community facility using donated funds and gradually paid back over a number of years with the savings from the upgrade, to then be invested in future projects. 

Treasurer and secretary positions within the committee are yet to be filled. 

The group will meet fortnightly on Mondays at 7.30pm at the Ex Services Club starting from August 21 with all meetings open to public.