State and federal funding has been received to help works soon commence on making Yarra Ranges Council community facilities more energy efficient and ready for disaster.
The Memo in Healesville, Yarra Glen Memorial Hall and Coldstream Community Centre will be the first facilities upgraded, with works starting in August.
As part of the Climate Resilient Buildings for Our Community project, works will also be undertaken on Powelltown Reserve Pavilion, Warburton-Millgrove Sporting Complex, Yarra Centre Pool and stadium, Monbulk Community Link, Olinda Recreation Reserve Pavilion and Gary Tait Pavilion, Kilsyth.
Yarra Ranges Deputy Mayor, Johanna Skelton, said the works on the nine facilities would mean that in the event of storm, heatwave, fire or flood, community would have a place to go.
“When disaster strikes and power goes out, the community need somewhere safe to go, ideally close to home, where they can access supplies and chat with people who can help them,” Cr Skelton said.
The project’s expected to be completed by early 2024, meaning every corner in the shire will have a nearby facility that can operate on battery power and generators.
“Each site will have its own specific upgrades, but a focus of this project is to make sure each building is well-insulated and sealed, so they need less energy to run and air stays cleaner inside. This also means that if a disaster strikes, the batteries on site – charged by rooftop solar if air quality permits – can run for longer,” Cr Skelton said.
“Residents will recall how important being able to access charging points for phones, battery packs, torches, radios and other devices was in the aftermath of last years storm. Access to showers, water, a comfortable place to warm up or cool down and an information hub will be possible at these locations too.
The funding support has come from the State’s Growing Suburbs Fund, and the Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund.
“Thank you to the State and Federal Governments for recognising the importance of this project, particularly as we pass the one year anniversary of the catastrophic June 2021 storms.”
On days of extreme or catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, or when major bushfire activity is predicted in the area, leaving the area early is always the safest option.
Neighbourhood Safer Places and Fire Refuges exist as places of last resort. Find out more about these at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/saferplaces, and always have a bushfire plan ready to go.
