HURSTBRIDGE, VIC. — The Hurstbridge Community Hub will soon be equipped with a modern, sustainable energy system as the Hurstbridge Hub Energy Resilience Project nears completion.
The project, supported by a $265,000 grant through AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund Major Grants, will upgrade the Hub’s electrical infrastructure, including:
- installation of additional rooftop solar
- battery storage
- a back-up generator
- public electric vehicle charging facilities
- replacing gas with all-electric appliances
- a new main switchboard arrangement.
The Hub’s new energy system will help maintain essential services during power outages, increase the use of renewable energy, support future growth and provide public EV charging infrastructure for the community.
Mayor Naomi Joiner said the project was a significant investment in community resilience and sustainability.
“The Hurstbridge Community Hub is an important gathering place for our community, so it’s essential that it can continue operating during power disruptions and meet the needs of the future,” Cr Joiner said.
“These upgrades strengthen the Hub’s energy security while reducing emissions and increasing our use of renewable energy.
“These additions demonstrate Council’s commitment to practical climate action while delivering lasting benefits for the Hurstbridge community.”
The project supports Council’s broader commitment to reducing emissions, improving energy resilience and preparing community facilities for a low-carbon future.
Once complete, the Hurstbridge Community Hub will serve as a Nillumbik community energy resilience centre, along with Wadambuk, St Andrews Community Centre and the Hurstbridge Football and Cricket Pavilion.
Nillumbik Shire also has an emergency resilience battery at the Diamond Creek Community Bank Stadium that can back up the power supply when operating as an emergency relief centre.
