“And although the state government and the Douglas Shire Council cannot hold it back, it would still be advantageous if we had their support,” said O’Doherty following a meeting in the Daintree last night.

Mayor Julia Leu and Councillor Michael Kerr were the only elected officials to attend – Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch represented the coalition – while Councillors David Carey, Abigail Noli and Roy Zammataro were absent.

“Councillors Carey and Noli did send apologies. Councillor Zammataro did not respond to our invitation which was extremely disappointing.

“I understand everyone has commitments, but what we have been striving for in the Daintree is of major significance and we need all the support we can muster, in particular from our local government representatives,” said O’Doherty.

The Australian Government, meanwhile, is delivering on its commitment to improving energy security, reliability and affordability for households and businesses in the Daintree.

The feasibility study is being supported via the federal government’s $50 million Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund announced in this year’s budget.

Entsch said the proposed micro-grid would reduce the World Heritage area’s reliance on four million litres of diesel fuel per year to generate power.

Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the Daintree micro-grid feasibility study was the first to receive support from the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund.

“Micro-grid technology is becoming increasingly cost effective, creating the opportunity for a reliable, low cost, off-grid supply,” said Taylor.

O’Doherty, who will oversee the project, said as it is a pilot program, its progress would be viewed with interest by private companies.

“I would also like to thank Richard Schoenemann and his team as well as Phil Keoghan and Shaun Cross from Volt Advisory services who have continued to work with and support us and to make the next stage possible.

“I now hope that the Queensland Government and the Douglas Shire Council will support the Daintree community, and work with us to help make this exciting project a success.”

Have an opinion or point of view on one of our stories or a community issue? Please submit a Letter to the Editor here.

* Readers are encouraged to use their full details to ensure letter legitimacy. Letters are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Letters containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory, personal or abusive material will not be published.

Got a great news tip or video? We'd love to see it. Send news tips to editor@newsport.com.au

Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff.
Reader comments on this site are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Our moderation takes into consideration these guidelines and rules before comments are approved for publication.