Solar power will run the new $2.5 million rest area on the Sturt Highway
By Brad Gardner | September 12, 2011
Solar panels will power a new $2.5 million rest area on the Sturt Highway in NSW, while the facility has also been fitted with a number of features to prevent driver fatigue.
Opened last week, the Willowvale site is a joint project between the federal and NSW governments and includes sealed parking for eight trucks, 10 cars and two caravans.
“It is the first rest area in NSW which uses solar power throughout the site, including a solar panel on the roof of the toilet block,” a spokeswoman for Roads Minister Duncan Gay says.
“The existing composting toilets were replaced with flushing facilities with pumps powered by solar energy. Waste water is recycled and used on plants in the rest area.”
The spokeswoman says sheltered tables and chairs have been installed at the site, which is about 37km east of Balranald.
“Tree planting and landscaping with native species has also been carried out.”