Woods Point has received a new generator at the Woods Point Community Hall, a solar panel system with battery backup at the Woods Point Museum and the addition of a battery and electrical upgrade for the emergency beacon light at the Woods Point Gun Club.

The Woods Point Community Hall is the town's designated emergency relief centre.

The Hall is now equipped with a 15kVA generator, which means the kitchenette, toilet, shower, roof sprinklers and satellite Wi-Fi can all remain operational during a power outage.

Additionally, the Woods Point Museum has been fitted with a 6.5kW solar array and a 15.0kWh battery storage system, capable of running the building for 2-3 days without power.

The Woods Point Gun Club was a key partner in upgrading the electrical connection and battery backup for the aircraft location beacon.

The improvements made have significantly improved the visibility of the beacon and the safety concerns for accessing the previous system that powered the beacon.

The beacon is now working effectively, aiding aircraft landing in the area responding to emergencies.

The project was made possible by a $78,647 grant from AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund.

Mansfield Shire Council supported the Woods Point Progress Association and the Woods Point RSL committee by applying for the grant on their behalf.

Andrew Merlo, Captain of the Woods Point CFA and President of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) in Woods Point thanked the shire for its support.

“From announcement that the grants have been approved the entire process from procurement, installation and commissioning has been absolutely outstanding,” he said.

“The solar arrangement at the museum with battery storage will assist the community with cost savings to the WPPA as a not-for-profit organisation and allow for the community to recharge portable power devices when needed.

“Both projects have given the town a moral boost in the knowledge that we now can rely on independent power supplies when required.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie congratulated the community and thanked them for their efforts.

“It's rewarding to see this project completed and know that the community now has significant resources on hand to assist them during emergencies,” said Cr Rabie.

For more information about energy resilience, go to mansfield.vic.gov.au