The Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) welcomed Fiona Phillips, Member for Gilmore, to the Red Door Hall to inspect the works undertaken to develop a bushfire and heatwave haven.
SHASA President Kathryn Maxwell said “SHASA would like to thank Fiona Phillips for her strong support for the community and for encouraging SHASA to apply for the Australian Government's Stronger Communities Fund grant of $14,350. These funds have covered 50% of the cost of installing:
· a 6.3kW [20 panel] solar PV generator connected to a 5kW SolaX Hybrid Grid Connect Inverter which is expected to generate over 8,200 kWh annually
· a 6.3kWh 'Triple Power' battery storage that operates on grid and off grid. When the power goes off the system works as an Emergency Power Supply [EPS]. It has been wired to the essential circuits in the hall, including one of the air conditioners. A manual genset change over switch has also been installed so that a back up diesel generator can be plugged in during longer outages.
· 2 x 7.1kW Mitsubishi Electric reverse cycle air conditioners, and
· electrical works including lighting upgrades and ceiling fans in the hall, LED batons in the toilet block, LED lighting in the office and gazebo are planned.
Due to the ongoing emergency works following the fires, completion of this electrical work has been delayed until mid to late March.
“Importantly this project will not only provide a bushfire and heatwave haven, but also help the Anglican Parish to significantly reduce their electricity costs during normal operations as the solar power system is expected to produce 8,200 kWh of electricity annually. The battery will allow the Red Door to store some of this electricity for use when the sun is not shining” said Ms Maxwell.
“SHASA would also like to thank MESA, Micro Energy Systems Australia, Bodalla, for undertaking the challenging installation in mid January on 45 degree pitch roof, during the bushfire crisis in the Eurobodalla. Thanks to the amazing efforts of Lisa Cornthwaite, Steve Cornthwaite, and the other members of the installation team, the Bushfire and Heatwave Haven was up and operating on the 21 January. Only 2 days later Moruya was under attack from the bushfires and over 30 members of the community sought shelter and comfort in the Red Door Hall”, said Ms Maxwell.
Above: Fiona Phillips MP announcing $14,350 for the Red Door Hall to upgrade the hall, improve the thermal comfort through air conditioning and solar enabling the hall to serve as a safe haven for local people
