Sandra Kanck
Leader South Australian Democrats
Member of the Legislative Council
Thursday 4th
March 2004
WHAT
LIGHT THROUGH YONDER WINDOW BREAKS?
To
coincide with World Sustainable Energy Day the SA Democrats are announcing the
introduction of a Solar Access Bill into State Parliament to ensure adequate
sunlight exposure for people installing solar power in their homes.
“Having
gone to the considerable expense of installing solar hot water panels or
photovoltaic cells on their rooves, people need protection from inappropriate
developments casting a shadow over their investment,” says Sandra Kanck, Leader
of the SA Democrats.
“My
Bill will echo English ‘ancient lights’ common law (which grants a right to
natural light though defined apertures in a building and acquired through
enjoyment of the right for not less that 20 years).
“A
major difference being that the right to sunlight for domestic solar
installations will attract legal protection from the moment it is installed.
“With
Adelaide set to undergo a sustained period of urban consolidation the need for
legislation preventing buildings and trees blocking out direct sunlight from
solar units will steadily increase.
“Solar
power is one of the keys to an environmentally sustainable future in South
Australia and people need every encouragement and protection in harnessing the
sun’s energy.
“Given
our hot sunny climate and the fact that our electricity consumption is greatest
when the temperature is hottest solar power should be a major focus of
government initiatives.
“By
generating at least part of our energy needs at home we reduce the expense of
continually upgrading our electricity generation, transmission and distribution
systems.
“In
this way private investment has an associated public good.”
