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Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery

Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages.

By news@gippsland - 10th October 2025 - Back to News

As we head into another fire season, Bass Coast Shire Council has officially launched two new initiatives to help our community prepare, respond and recover when emergencies strike. The Energy Resilient Community Hubs and the Bass Coast Emergency Dashboard are both designed to strengthen local resilience and give people the tools they need to stay safe and connected.

Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) learning about about Energy Resilient Community Hubs and the Bass Coast Emergency Dashboard

Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) learning about about Energy Resilient Community Hubs and the Bass Coast Emergency Dashboard

Powering community resilience

The launch was marked at an information event at Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL), attended by Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale, alongside Council, response agencies, local resilience networks and community leaders.

When emergencies happen - whether it’s fire, storms, or extended power outages - local people are always the first to respond. Resilient communities are those that are connected, informed and ready to look out for each other.

Ten existing community facilities across Bass Coast have now been fitted with solar panels and battery systems. These upgrades mean that even during extreme weather events or widespread power outages, these hubs can continue to provide power and serve as a central point for community connection, information and services. They are also places where community-led planning and resilience-building can happen, ensuring partnerships continue to build resilience across the community.

Connected community hubs

The hubs include the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre, Glen Alvie Reserve, Coronet Bay Community Hall, Grantville Transaction Centre, Kernot Community Hall, Mitchell House Wonthaggi, Corinella and District Community Centre, PICAL, Kilcunda Community Hall and Cape Paterson Hall.

Importantly, these hubs are not relief centres or places of last resort. Instead, they are community-owned spaces designed to support preparedness and recovery. They are a place where people can come together, find help, stay connected, and share resources in the aftermath of a storm, fire or other disruption.

The project builds on the success seen in Corinella in 2024, when the local community centre - equipped with solar and battery - became a vital meeting point during an extended power outage. From charging phones to sharing meals, it provided safety, connection and information that made all the difference.

Emergency information hub

Sites for the new hubs were carefully chosen to provide good geographic coverage across Bass Coast, strong links to their local communities, and essential facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms and gathering spaces.

The second initiative is digital and is supported by strong community engagement. The new Emergency Dashboard is a central online hub bringing together information from sources like VicEmergency, VicTraffic, the Bureau of Meteorology and AusNet.

During an emergency, residents, visitors and agencies will be able to find accurate, up-to-date information in one trusted place, without needing to trawl multiple websites or social media feeds. The Dashboard also provides vital information on preparing for emergencies and helps visitors to our region access information to safely plan and enjoy their trip.

Our Emergency Management Team has already been demonstrating how to use the Emergency Dashboard, keep an eye out for them and fridge magnets coming to local markets, community information days, and short stay accommodation

Our Emergency Management Team has already been demonstrating how to use the Emergency Dashboard, keep an eye out for them and fridge magnets coming to local markets, community information days, and short stay accommodation

Preparing for emergencies

Council’s Emergency Management Team have already been demonstrating how to use it at CFA open days and community events, making sure locals know where to turn when the time comes. Keep an eye out for fridge magnets coming to local markets, community information days and short stay accommodations.

These initiatives have been made possible through a strong partnership between Council, the Victorian Government, AusNet, and our local communities. Now is also the time to do your part at home and in your local community to prepare for emergencies.

Council’s fee-free green waste period begins on 1 November - an opportunity to prepare your property ahead of fire season. To view the Emergency Dashboard go to Bass Coast Emergency Dashboard website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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