AusNet last announced 24 recipients will receive more than $650,000 in grants from AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund, including projects in Mallacoota and Lakes Entrance.
Executive general manager distribution, Andrew Linnie, said the company is pleased to be able to help make a difference through the fund.
“The Energy Resilience Community Fund was created to enable projects that will build long-term community energy resilience and provide support to communities during recovery the recovery phase of severe weather events which significantly impact the network,” Mr Linnie said.
AusNet established the $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund following the storms in February this year. Before last week, $3 million had already been distributed to help support impacted communities.
Eighteen Energy Resilience Grants have been awarded, totalling close to $535,000, while six Energy Education and Literacy Grants of over $116,000 have also been provided.
“I’d like to congratulate all round one grant recipients. Their commitment to building energy resilience and fostering local education and literacy is commendable. The projects will deliver important and impactful change to these communities,” Mr Linnie said.
Funded energy resilience projects include stand-alone power systems and generators for local community and emergency services infrastructure and small businesses that act as resilience and relief hubs during severe weather events and prolonged outages.
LOCAL PROJECTS
Mallacoota – Mallacoota and District Tool Library (MADTL) – Stand Alone Solar Power Supply for MADTL: Following the devastating bushfires in 2019/20, where 123 homes were lost in Mallacoota, the Mallacoota and District Tool Library (MADTL) was established. MADTL loans tools and provides support to community members during severe weather events, natural disasters and supports recovery efforts. This helps develop community resilience in preparation for the next emergency event. Many of the tools are battery powered and need to be charged and maintained on site. Funding will provide a stand-alone power system with battery and fit out for the tool shed. In the event of emergency situations and power outages, community members will be able to access the tools required in recovery, and charge phones and other devices. The MADTL will work closely with local SES and other agencies in emergency situations. $20,936.
Lakes Entrance – Australian Volunteer Coast Guard – Lakes Entrance Volunteer Coastguard – Energy Resilience Project 2024: A solar PV and battery system will be installed on the Coast Guard operational base in Lakes Entrance to provide a robust a power supply. This is so the base can continue to provide emergency services during supply outages, as well as a powered community shelter during natural disasters. $28,000.
