I am delighted to announce that the Federal Government
will provide $1million for the Solar Sailor project.
This money will support the construction and demonstration
of a Catamaran powered by solar and wind energy with compressed natural
gas as back-up.
It will represent leading edge technology. The solar
wing uses energy from the sun or wind separately or in combination.
It represents the potential to travel on our waterways
and oceans in a clean, environmentally friendly manner.
Australia has a proud record of exporting leading edge
marine technology and Solar Sailor represents an exciting new direction.
The development of this technology is a credit to the
people involved and is the latest evidence of the innovation and potential
that exits in regional Australia. In this instance, the people of Ulladulla
and surrounding regions stand to reap the benefits of this exciting development.
The Federal Government is determined to promote the growth
of new and innovative industries in the regions. The money for the Solar
Sailor represents another step in this plan by helping to underpin an
exciting new industry in this region.
22 February 2000