A new bushfire and heatwave haven has opened in Moruya thanks to support from the Australian Government.
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP yesterday (November 17) joined members of the Moruya Country Womens Association (CWA) and the South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) to officially open the new refuge, the Moruya CWA hall, complete with backup power, air filters and shutters.
The Gilmore MP said she was delighted the Federal 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.”
Ms Phillips says it is just one of the projects to make the Eurobodalla more resilient.
Others include 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.
