It's great to see that Australia's infrastructure and transport sectors are being increasingly influenced by the many advantages and benefits that we know solar power can provide.
Solar energy is set to influence Australia's latest rail upgrade and hopefully set an example for future rail projects.
Final artist impressions of the Regional Rail Link and the new stations being built at Wyndham Vale and Tarneit have been released as the project inches closer to realisation.
Currently, the Regional Rail Link is Australia's biggest public transport infrastructure project underway.
Terry Mulder, minister of Victorian transport, has reported that both the Wyndham Vale and Tarneit stations will be fitted out with bus interchanges as well as parking for 400 vehicles.
In great news for us solar junkies, the stations will also include a range of sustainability features such as bicycle storage, energy efficient light, rain water tanks and – most importantly – solar panels!
"We are determined to make our cities even better places to live, work and raise a family, which is why we have doubled the roads budget," federal infrastructure and transport minister Anthony Albanese said.
"This vital piece of infrastructure will add capacity to the city’s rail network and help alleviate the growing congestion on its roads."
Those of us who have experienced the many benefits of solar panels know that solar energy is an important way of making our cities and our country more sustainable and with a higher standard of living, especially in the face of rising energy costs and a more unpredictable natural environment.
"The new stations will benefit both the environment and the local community," said Terry Mulder.
The federal government has provided the rail upgrade with $3.225 billion in funding to help the Victorian government see the project through.
Posted by Mike Peacock