Increased power capacity during emergencies

Published on 21 July 2023

INCREASED POWER CAPACITY DURING EMERGENCIES
The Wimmera Emergency Management Resource Sharing Partnership has completed a project that will enable venues across the Wimmera to operate on backup power during an emergency.

Special generator changeover switches have been installed at the Dimboola Library, Edenhope Community Centre, Hopetoun Senior Citizens Centre, Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall and Nhill Memorial Community Centre. This means that each centre can now operate on generator power when there’s a power outage.

Wimmera Emergency Management Team Coordinator Mike Shaw said that councils are responsible for establishing an emergency relief centre when there’s a significant emergency. “Emergency relief centres are a place where residents can come together to receive information, support and referrals during an emergency. These venues are a central hub in our communities and it’s important to do everything we can to make sure power is available during emergencies. Residents will now be able to access to power to charge their phones, computers and other devices when there are no other options available to them,” he said.

The Wimmera Emergency Management Resource Sharing Partnership is a partnership between the four Wimmera Councils – Horsham Rural City and Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Shire Councils. The purpose of the partnership is to support the partner councils to meet their legislated emergency management requirements and to facilitate research and investigate emergency management issues and best practices on behalf of the four participating councils.

Pictured:  The Hopetoun Senior Citizens Centre is one of five venues across the Wimmera that can now provide backup power during an emergency.