Mansfield Shire Energy and Telecommunications Resilience

Mansfield Shire Energy Resilience

A longstanding pattern of frequent power  outages raises questions about AusNet's ability to service the shire's projected growth in an increasingly unstable climate.

While we acknowledge AusNet's efforts to meet service standards, there is growing concern about Mansfield's energy security, particularly given extreme demand fluctuations driven by seasonal tourism, especially from Mt Buller ski resort.

The 18-hour power outage as the Longwood fire broke out also cut communications for outlying communities. Strengthening our energy infrastructure is key to reducing the community's vulnerability in emergencies.

Mansfield Shire Telecommunications Resilience

Chief amongst all of the lessons learned during and after the Black Saturday Fires, the Black Summer Fires and the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Season, it is that communication saves lives.

And yet still, large areas of Mansfield Shire receive unstable telecommunications coverage.

This results in a lack of critical information, causes panic and makes responsible decisions harder to make. It puts strain on our emergency services and can be the difference between a fire-impacted individual or family leaving safely and being caught behind on the fireground.

The requirements

Reviews into local Energy resilience from Ausnet and local Telecommunications resilience from Telstra.