The solar panels have been installed on seven council- and community-owned facilities, including the Meredith Community Centre, Woady Yaloak Kindergarten, Northern Community Centre, Inverleigh Early Learning Centre, Haddon Kindergarten, Teesdale Children's Centre and Bannockburn Family Services Centre.

The project involved 195 panels which are expected to reduce the carbon footprint of the community buildings by 98.5 tonnes per year.

The $170,500 solar program from Berrybank Wind Farm's developers Global Power Generation Australia will also see solar systems installed on low-income housing in Golden Plains Shire.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Helena Kirby welcomed the installation of the solar panels, which was part of the Berrybank Wind Farm's community engagement and benefit sharing plan.

"Council was very pleased to work with Global Power Generation Australia to see seven of our community facilities in Meredith, Scarsdale, Inverleigh, Haddon, Teesdale and Bannockburn go solar," Cr Kirby said.

Berrybank Wind Farm's community engagement officer Nathan Micallef said GPG was proud to make a lasting positive impact to the communities surrounding the wind farm.

"In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the installation of rooftop solar systems to local community facilities and low-income housing will significantly decrease their electricity bills," Mr Micallef said.

GPG appointed Off-Grid Energy Australia to deliver the solar panels at the seven facilities in Golden Plains Shire.

Construction is complete on stage one of the Berrybank Wind Farm, with 24 wind turbines built in the south-west of Golden Plains Shire and 19 over the border in Corangamite Shire.

Construction recently began on stage two of the wind farm and will see a further nine turbines built in Golden Plains Shire and 17 in Corangamite Shire.

IN OTHER NEWS

Global Power Generation Australia is contributing to other projects across Golden Plains Shire, with funding for the Teesdale Turtle Bend Reserve Upgrade, as well as the Three Trails and Northern Streetscape projects.

Cr Kirby, Mr Micallef and Off-Grid Australia manager for Victoria and Tasmania Aaron Lewtas recently visited the Meredith Community Centre to see the final installation works take place.

The centre houses the council's Meredith Kindergarten, an occasional care program, playgroup and neighbourhood house services operated by the Meredith Community Centre.

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