By Parker McKenzie
The Australian Labor Party has announced it will pursue a $177,000 solar energy project in Monbulk to help disaster-proof power supply if elected to government at this year’s federal election.
Labor candidate for Casey Bill Brindle and federal Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced an election promise for the project at the Monbulk Football Netball Club pavilion within Monbulk Recreational Reserve on 18 March.
Mr Brindle said it was important for new projects to have support from all levels of government and the community.
“I’d like to thank the Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child and Director of Environment and Infrastructure Mark Varmalis,” he said.
“We’ve also got the president of the Monbulk and District Community Working Group here, so it’s a really great gathering.”
The solar project will power the pavilion in the event of a natural disaster affecting the power supply, which was experienced during the June 2021 storm weather event, giving the community access to showers, kitchen facilities and emergency coordination.
Mr Chalmers said the project ticks multiple boxes in making the community more resilient, using renewable energy and working closely with the local council and community organisations.
“We will certainly be supporting the campaign here in this community, it is a very important community,” Mr Chalmers said.
“There are occasions where local organizations and local councils can work together with the alternative government to come up with good ideas like the one we’re talking about today.”
Mr Brindle pursued the project in consultation with the Monbulk Emergency Management Group, Monbulk and District Community Opportunities working group and Monbulk Recreation Reserve Development Group.
Mr Chalmers said Mr Brindle was an excellent candidate to represent the people of Casey.
“With the retirement of the speaker, I think there is an opportunity for us here, we couldn’t have picked a better candidate than Bill was deep links with the community, small business communities experience over a number of years now,” he said.
“I think he’s a terrific candidate. There’s no better candidate anywhere in Australia, and so we’ll be supporting him strongly.”
The project will also help reduce the cost of the electricity for the pavilion and sporting facility by delivering a renewable power supply throughout the year. Monbulk Recreational Reserve is located on the corner of Moores Road and Main Road, Monbulk.
