8th Bushfire and Heatwave Haven completed at Southern Life Church
Monday was a very significant day for SHASA (South coast Health and Sustainability Alliance), with the opening of the 8th Bushfire and Heatwave Haven in the Eurobodalla at Southern Life Church. This is 4th Haven in Moruya.
SHASA a not for profit charity undertaking practical projects to achieve a more resilience community and help with the transition to renewable energy in the Eurobodalla. So far SHASA have secured 64 grants with a value of over $7.5m.
President Kathryn Maxwell said “SHASA has partnered with Southern Life Church to make the haven a reality. Not only do we have two buildings with independent power systems, satellite communications, but also temperature control and air quality control. This will enable our more vulnerable members of the community to escape the heat and smoke during bushfires. The back up power system will keep the freezers running no matter what the climate throws at us.
“SHASA would like to thank the following local businesses for their excellent work – Micro Energy Systems – thanks Steve Cornthwaite, Blue N Grey Water and Septic Solutions, Tec Exec – thanks Trish Pye and Betta Batemans Bay – thanks Geoff Hatton” said Kathryn.
SHASA, in partnership with the Tilba Halls Committee, is anticipating opening our 9th Haven at the Tilba Halls later this year.
“Our goal, funding permitting, is to establish a network of 12 Bushfire and Heatwave Havens” said Kathryn.
SHASA has also developed maps of the location and services provided at the Havens.
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Speaking at the launch Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland’s said “SHASA received a NSW Government Infrastructure Grant of $168,667 to undertake works to enable the Food Hall and Church Hall to operate as havens during extreme weather events.”
Works included nearly 30kW of solar and a 30kWh battery on the Church Building, 26.4kw of solar panels and 30kWh battery on the Food Hall , Electrical upgrade to the switch board to both building, Installation of Starlink (satellite communications) and training from Tec Exec, 2 steel rainwater tanks, fire pump, hoses and fittings to be able to fight ember attack during bushfires, 4 internal air filters to address wood smoke during bushfires, Back up 30kVa diesel generator for the food hall., Weather proof enclosures for the electrical equipment.
Southern Life Church has funded a 22kVA generator for the Church Hall, an additional rainwater tank, and concrete slabs for the rainwater tanks and generators.
These upgrades provide Southern Church with an independent power system if the grid goes down, a communications system if telecommunications goes down and equipment to fight ember attack.
The Southern Life Church Haven will be a refuge for vulnerable members of the Food Pantry and Church members and their families during extreme events like bushfires and heatwaves. It will cater for up to 200 people.
ESC Interim GM Mark Fergusen said “Council is very excited to see the opening of the Eurobodalla’s 8th Bushfire and Heatwave Haven at the Southern Life Church, Moruya. Moruya now has 4 havens – the Anglican Parish Red Door Hall, CWA Moruya, Moruya Pre School Kindergarten and Southern Life Church. There is also another one at the Moruya Surf Life Saving Club at Moruya Heads.”
“The upgrades outlined by Dr Michael Holland will also significantly reduce the electricity bills for Southern Life Church. In particular it will significantly improve the financial sustainability of the Food Pantry which uses lots of electricity to run the freezers and fridges.”
Mr Fergusen added “Since 2018 SHASA has secured 62 grants, totaling $7.5m for practical projects to achieve a more resilient community and install solar PV and/or batteries in community facilities all over the Eurobodalla. This includes Marine Rescue bases, CWAs, Men’s Sheds, Rally for Recovery, Batemans Bay Heritage Museum and Pre Schools.”
“Recently SHASA secured a Community Building Partnership grant of $54,974 (GST Inclusive) to install solar and batteries on the Dr McKay Community Centre as well as upgrade the gas commercial kitchen to electric. A big thank you to Dr Michael Holland for securing this grant.”
Mr Fergusen said “Council will continue to partner with SHASA to upgrade key community halls across the Eurobodalla.”
He commended SHASA for being at the forefront of resilience in the Shire.