By Dongyun Kwon
The Steels Creek Community Centre has been upgraded with 7.36kW (Kilowatt) solar panels, a 22kWh (Kilowatt-hour) battery system and a generator plug-in point enabling it to serve as an emergency hub during times of need.
The effect of the solar panel and battery system on resilience has been proved by other cases including one in the Healesville Community Link which was installed in May 2023.
This project at the Steels Creek Community Centre is part of the Preparing Australian Communities initiative and the Resilient Buildings Project, which focuses on installing solar panels, batteries, LED lighting, and generator plug-ins at key locations across the region.
Steels Creek Community Centre Committee vice president Maree Rothwell said the upgrade holds significant value for local residents who have experienced power disruptions and bushfire events in the past.
“The initial benefit is reducing or eliminating electricity bills and thus improving the Community Centre’s financial position. In the longer term we are also hoping to make the centre a hub during emergencies and situations such as prolonged power outages,” she said.
“Our community relies on tank water and thus electricity to have running water for toilets and food preparation.
“Steels Creek Community Centre now has the ability to operate independently during power outages which means the community can act immediately in response to the local situation and can provide that timely support where other government assistance takes time to enable.”
With this upgrade, the centre is now equipped to provide essential services during power outages, such as access to toilets, a functional kitchen, and device charging.
Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) mayor Jim Child underscored the importance of such facilities in areas of higher risk.
“If the energy grid goes down, centres like these will remain operational for the community. They’re already serving the community in times of need, and this upgrade enhances their role and ability to provide support,” Cr Child said.
The goal of the Resilient Buildings Project is to establish resilience centres in regions vulnerable to weather related disasters and power outages, ensuring that local hubs are prepared and capable of supporting the community during times of crisis.
In May 2023, YRC installed 100kWp solar system and 108kWh battery at the Healesville Community Link as part of the Active Energy Precincts Project, in collaboration with Monash University and Birdwood Energy.
Over the last two years, the battery system has helped strengthen community resilience and reduce the impact of natural disasters.
YRC communities director Leanne Hurst said since its installation, the solar and battery system at Healesville Community Link has been a valuable asset that can be utilised to keep the community connected during power outages.
“The 100kWp solar system and 108kWh battery provide backup power to critical areas, including lighting, Council servers, the kitchen, the library’s kitchen and workstation area, as well as Community Link staff reception and workspaces,” she said.
“While Council has not formally activated an emergency hub at the site, the system has been available to support the community when needed, including during a power outage in February 2024. To ensure its reliability, Council conducted a managed power outage and walkthrough with Community Link staff, Healesville Library, and members of the Healesville Emergency Management Group, confirming that all critical loads remained operational.
“Council continues to work closely with the Healesville Community Emergency Group, who can utilise the site as part of community relief mobilisation in disasters under the emergency Hub model, this has been exercised recently with the group. This system plays a key role in ensuring a dependable backup power source is available when the community needs it most.”
