Today, as we neared the end of Day 10, we had a little surprise. A shiny car pulled up on the side of the road, and out jumped a man in a suit. “This is strange”, we thought — and then he introduced himself as Tom Koutsantonis, the South Australian Energy Minister! The Minister gave us a talk about how he’d been to Nevada to look at solar thermal plants in operation, and how he believed we could build one in Port Augusta. He told us we have the support of the State Government, and to keep building community support.
Although he didn’t commit to anything, we know that just a few months ago he was very pro-gas, and now he’s singing the praises of solar. He’s moved a long way, and we believe the Walk for Solar has gotten him even closer to the point where the State Govt will help fund the solar plant (and champion the cause with the Federal Govt).
He’s even asked for a meeting with us the very next business day after we arrive in Adelaide!
What a win! Only 100km left til we get to Adelaide, and this surprise meeting has lifted our spirits. Check out this photo of the Minister with the walkers.
