By Tyler Wright
The Olinda Pavillion is set to become home to solar panels after Yarra Ranges Council secured $250,000 through the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Hilltop Recreation Association (HRA) president Ben Selby-Hele said the funding is for the installation of a 100 panel/50KW solar and a 100KW battery system at The Olinda Recreation Reserve, and the solar and battery system will add to the refuge and relief facilities for the community.
“The installation of the said solar and battery system will allow the facility to run independently of the main grid for 3-5 days, with the ability for a generator to supplement the power supply should an event arise lasting more than 5 days,” Mr Selby-Hele said.
“The system will power the oval lights for emergency service use only and upgrades to the existing showering facilities included as part of this grant, will mean that families and individuals can shower in their own private cubicles.”
In 2021, the Olinda pavilion had satellite NBN connected for use by the community in times of need, Mr Selby-Hele said.
“It was used as a relief centre, and there were some shortfalls that were identified during that period, which are being implemented now, and one of those is this battery storage and solar,” he said.
“That’s also why the WiFi satellite was installed, when all the infrastructure goes down to still allow the community to access internet.”
The Growing Suburbs Fund is a $50 million grant program from the state government set to deliver infrastructure projects in response to pressures being experienced by interface and per-urban communities.
The fund is available to Melbourne’s 10 interface and six peri-urban councils, aiming to deliver more playgrounds, parks and community centres to help transform communities.
“We are creating the vital facilities and infrastructure that communities in our fastest growing areas need,” Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane said when applications were opened in May 2022.
“Victorians in our fastest growing suburbs deserve to have spaces and facilities to help them develop new connections, that will support wellbeing and help strengthen communities as they continue to grow.”
