Bass Coast Shire Council has announced its participation in two grant programs aimed at enhancing community resilience to climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening energy reliability.
The Victorian Government's 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program provides grants to support the installation of 100 neighbourhood-scale batteries across Victoria.
The batteries aim to improve energy reliability and provide energy storage capacity for locally generated solar power, which is expected to increase access to renewable energy and help lower energy bills.
Mondo, a subsidiary of AusNet, is spearheading a project to install up to seven 250kWh batteries across Phillip Island that will protect network reliability. Up to five of the batteries will be installed on Council-owned land, with commercial land access arrangements to be negotiated under Council's Lease and Licensing Policy.
Sites that have been identified for the batteries include Berninneit and the Phillip Island Leisure Centre.
"We are thrilled to have this neighbourhood battery investment from Mondo and the State Government on Phillip Island," said Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve.
"We welcome all initiatives that help us to lead the way in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing our community's resilience to climate change.
"We are very proud of our community continually leading the way in building a sustainable and greener future.
"We extend our thanks to Totally Renewable Phillip Island and other community organisations and individuals who have continued to advocate towards our shared vision for a municipality that can operate on zero emissions."
The Mayor said the council was in discussions with Mondo about further proposed locations for the neighbourhood batteries.
"The precise locations remain subject to detailed assessment and land access arrangements.
"As grid-connected systems, the batteries are designed to provide long-term improvements in network reliability and create opportunities for more rooftop solar installations in their vicinity, helping the community to meet its renewable energy aspirations."
Dividends from the sale of some electricity from the batteries will be shared with the community through a community benefit fund, overseen by Council, in partnership with community organisations.
Risk and resilience
Separately, Council has secured $145,000 in funding from Emergency Management Victoria to provide high-risk communities in Bass Coast with fit-for-purpose all-electric refuge centres.
Through the funding, Council will equip existing community facilities with solar and battery systems that will provide a continuous supply of power during extreme weather events and power outages.
This investment in climate resilience infrastructure will also be supported by local community engagement to help communities further prepare for emergencies.
As the most recent storms and power outage across Gippsland demonstrated, dedicated neighbourhood hubs where residents can access power, communications, food, water, and other services are essential to support community disaster resilience.
During the most recent event, Corinella and District Community Centre served as a beacon for the community during this time, supported by its rooftop solar and Tesla Powerwall battery system.
This funding from Emergency Management Victoria will be supported by a further $120,000 in Council funding, enabling multiple sites to be equipped with the critical solar and battery infrastructure needed to serve as beacons for the community when the electricity grid goes down.