Six Mansfield Shire projects secure AusNet funding

Six Mansfield Shire organisations will share more than $254,000 to strengthen backup power and emergency resilience ahead of summer. Pharmacies, health services and community facilities in Mansfield, Goughs Bay, Merrijig and Merton are among the recipients in the final round of AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund. The grants will fund combinations of solar panels, battery storage, generators and telecommunications equipment designed to keep essential services operating during prolonged power outages and emergencies. Eisner’s Pharmacy in Mansfield will receive $46,884 for solar and battery storage, allowing the pharmacy to continue operating when mains power is unavailable. The backup system will protect vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medicines and maintain access to medication during emergencies. AusNet said the pharmacy is the sole medicine supplier to Mansfield District Hospital and local aged-care residents, making continuity of power particularly important. Goughs Bay Area Progress Association will receive $46,945 for work at the Goughs Bay Boat Club. Solar panels, battery storage, a changeover switch and telecommunications upgrades will be installed, creating a microgrid-capable system able to provide electricity, internet access and device charging during outages. The project is intended to allow the boat club to operate as an emergency hub and coordination point for the Goughs Bay community. Mansfield Autism has secured $50,000, the largest of the local grants, for a generator to complement its existing solar panels and battery storage. The additional backup power will maintain heating, cooling, food preparation, security and communications, helping the organisation continue its services for autistic children, young people and families during outages. With residential accommodation, accessible cabins and a commercial kitchen on the property, the site could also provide support to the broader community during an emergency. Mansfield Medical Clinic and Mansfield Integrated Health Services will receive $43,997 to upgrade battery storage connected to their existing solar and generator systems. The project is designed to keep vaccine refrigeration, clinical software, communications, lighting and medical equipment operating when the electricity network is unavailable. McCormack Park at Merrijig will receive $23,161 to install solar panels, battery storage and a backup generator. The system will enable the park to provide showers, cooking facilities, refrigeration, lighting and device charging during outages and extreme weather events. AusNet described McCormack Park as the only significant public space between Mansfield and Mt Buller, with the upgraded facility able to support residents and visitors as well as animals and livestock during an emergency. Merton Memorial Hall and the Merton Recreation Reserve Pavilion will receive $43,833 to expand solar, battery storage and backup generation across the two facilities. The systems will provide electricity for lighting, heating and cooling, kitchens and charging facilities. Both sites were used to support the community during the recent Longwood fires, and the upgrades are intended to strengthen their ability to assist residents, emergency services and people requiring medical support in future emergencies. The six Mansfield Shire projects form part of almost $1.7 million being distributed to 47 councils and community groups across Victoria in the final round of the fund. AusNet executive general manager distribution Andrew Linnie said the funding was particularly important as communities prepared for warmer and drier conditions heading into summer. “These ERCF-funded projects will help support trusted local community hubs, with solutions that will keep lights on, phones charged, food and medicines refrigerated and essential services operating during prolonged power outages and emergency events,” Mr Linnie said. Of the statewide funding, about $1.5 million has been allocated to energy resilience projects and $136,000 to education and energy literacy initiatives. AusNet established the $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund following severe weather in 2024 which significantly affected the electricity network. Mr Linnie said the program had now supported almost 140 community resilience hubs and mobile assets across the electricity distribution network. Neighbouring communities have also secured significant funding in the final round. Murrindindi Shire received five grants, including $50,000 for Alex Makes Meals at The Kitchen Yea, $47,484 for Buxton Memorial Hall, $37,739 for Glenburn Hall, $31,467 for Highlands Hall and $20,974 for Toolangi Castella District Community House. The Highlands Hall project follows the facility’s use during the 2026 Longwood fires, when it provided shelter, meals, communications, charging and welfare support for 11 days. Four projects were funded in Strathbogie Shire, with Euroa Showgrounds receiving $44,515, Euroa Pharmacy $50,000, Footy for Climate Longwood $49,389 and Gooram Soldiers Memorial Hall $41,091. The projects range from solar and battery storage to generators and Starlink communications, with several of the facilities having already played roles during recent fires and emergency responses. In Alpine Shire, three projects will share $125,170, with funding going to Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre, Mount Beauty Pharmacy and Porepunkah Public Hall and Public Reserve. Waminda Community House will receive $24,948 in Benalla Rural City to establish a solar and battery-backed community hub, while Chiltern Recreation Reserve in Indigo Shire will receive $48,999 for solar and battery storage to strengthen its role as an emergency facility.