As The Mail reported in December 2007, the council committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2015, and as a municipality by 2020.

A progress report presented last Tuesday revealed:

The original tenderer chosen to build and operate a co-generational plant promised for the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre had withdrawn.

The council could not afford a $1.62million bill to change its street lights to fluorescent, which would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 69per cent. It's estimated this cost would be recouped in reduced energy bills in eight years.

Lighting, air-conditioning systems and toilets had been upgraded in various council buildings at a cost of $340,000. Energy savings are predicted to be 15-20 per cent and water savings 30per cent.

The council received its first electric vehicle this month, with two more expected soon. Ballarat University is monitoring the benefits as part of a larger research project.

This year the council will purchase 20per cent green power for street lights and 25per cent for all buildings to save 2650 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

A number of issues have been raised regarding the feasibility of a community-owned wind farm proposed at Stony Creek/West Gate Bridge.

Bluestone Ward councillor Catherine Cumming said she could not understand the lack of progress on the co-generational plant at MAC, considering the centre opened three years ago.

Infrastructure services general manager Soma Thevarajan said a new tenderer had been selected, but this company needed to register as an electricity retailer and the decreasing Australian dollar meant the project would now cost an estimated $500,000.

Maribyrnong Mayor Michael Clarke also defended progress on the project, which he said was new technology yet to be adopted by any council in Victoria. "As with any major capital works, you need to be very cautious."

SWITCH OFF

BUSINESSES and residents are being urged to switch off lights and unnecessary electrical appliances as part of the worldwide Earth Hour campaign this Saturday.

Restaurants can register their interest with Maribyrnong Council, which will promote participating businesses on its website.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007 in a bid to reduce energy consumption and raise awareness of climate change.

This year more than a billion people from more than 1000 cities are expected to take part.

Earth Hour is from 8.30-9.30pm.

Details: Grace Girardi, 96880357.