A new bushfire and heatwave haven has opened in Moruya today thanks to support from the Australian Government.
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP joined with members of the Moruya CWA and the South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) to officially open the new refuge, complete with backup power, air filters and shutters.
The Gilmore MP said she was delighted the Australian Government had helped make this dream a reality for local people, following their harrowing experience in the 2019-20 bushfires.
“Since those terrible bushfires, I have been focused on ensuring our community is more resilient and better prepared should another disaster hit,” Fiona Phillips said.
“These upgrades to the Moruya CWA hall will give local people a haven to escape to, should we experience another difficult summer.”
These grants come on top of a range of commitments Fiona Phillips has delivered as part of the recent Federal Budget to make the Eurobodalla more resilient.
This includes a dedicated Regional Integrated Emergency Services Precinct at Moruya, bushfire proofing the Mount Wandera Tower and South Durras telecommunications, and a community battery for Maloneys Beach.
“Working with the community, I am thrilled to be delivering these critical infrastructure upgrades to ensure our community has the facilities we deserve to prepare us for whatever the future may bring,” Fiona Phillips said.
“Thank you to the Moruya CWA and SHASA for their dedication in making sure local people have a fabulous safe haven like this one,” she said.
More than $90,000 has been provided through two Australian Government grants to upgrade the Moruya CWA hall, including:
- A Solar PV system and batteries
- A 22 kilowatt automatic backup generator
- An electric hot water service and Catch Power device
- Window and door shutters.
- A HEPA filter fresh air system to ensure that air quality remains good inside the building during periods of poor air quality.
During an emergency, the hall can accommodate up to 80 CWA members and their families.
