Power Secured at Jamieson’s NSP
Published on 02 December 2022
A new solar installation is underway at the Jamieson Memorial Hall - Jamieson’s designated Neighbourhood Safer Place – Place of Last Resort (NSP). The project will help to secure independence for the community during emergencies and extreme weather events.
This project will deliver a Community Energy Node, consisting of 6.6kw solar panels with battery and inverter. Regardless of weather conditions and without solar generation, the battery will store 2-3 days of autonomous backup power ensuring uninterrupted access to satellite internet that can be activated and made available to the community in a time of need.
This community-driven project is a collaboration between Jamieson Community Group in partnership with Renewable Energy Mansfield (REM) and Council.
Mayor Cr James Tehan said the Jamieson community should be congratulated for taking the lead on this initiative.
“The community can now feel safe in the knowledge they have adequate power to safeguard the power needs for a NSP in their town during emergencies,” he said.
“The 2019-20 bushfires created power outages of up to three weeks in parts of North East Victoria.
“That experience emphasised the importance of having infrastructure in place in rural fire-prone areas to manage this community risk.
“This infrastructure upgrade ensures the Jamieson Hall has usable backup power at a central base to offer respite, connection and support for residents.”
Ann-Maree Vague, Manager of the Jamieson Memorial Hall, said this project will provide a safer place for all members of the community and surrounds in times of need.
“The Jamieson Memorial Hall is right in the heart of town and will be a vital hub for people to feel supported and safe. It will provide greater independence and security for all people of the community,” she said.
“The Jamieson Community has had a long-held vision for the Jamieson Memorial Hall to become a self-reliant, independently powered energy node and now this vision can be achieved.
“The community hopes there is learning from this pilot project to enable other vulnerable communities to find a greater sense of self-reliance and resilience.”
The project, which is expected to be completed in early 2023, was funded by the Federal Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program, the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program. An additional $8,800 was given as an in-kind donation from Council who managed the project on the community’s behalf.