Borough teams up with Deakin for greater climate response

A NEW partnership has emerged between the Borough of Queenscliffe and Deakin University in hopes of achieving greater energy efficiency.

The partnership aims to investigate how the community can live in a more environmentally sustainable way following 2019’s climate emergency declaration.

Researchers will focus on visitor’s energy use as the population of the Borough is expected to increase by more than 50 per cent over the holiday period, putting a strain on the town’s electricity supply.

Caravan parks are among one of the largest contributors to energy use in the Borough, with the council recognising a need to make these spaces more sustainable in the future.

Lead researcher Professor Tony Arnel from Deakin’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment said they are hoping to provide a range of solutions suitable to the community.

“Once we gain an understanding of how power is used in the Borough, we can identify solutions that help the community save money, become more resilient and carbon-neutral,” he said.

The new partnership comes after the Borough committed to improving its climate emergency response.

Since 2013 the council has reduced emissions by a third, with hopes that further reductions will be possible following the conclusion of this research which will provide recommendations to improve the towns efficiency, particularly during the holiday season.

Over the next few weeks researchers will be speaking to holiday goers staying at the council-owned caravan parks to gain greater information on how they are utilising energy.

Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Ross Ebbels is asking for park visitors to be open to taking part in the project.

“A quick chat with a Deakin researcher will help us identify solutions that make our caravan parks more sustainable and improve the stability of our energy supply,” Mayor Ebbels said.

“Participants will also be offered a kiosk voucher they can spend in return for their time, so it’s a great way to treat yourself and contribute to a better Borough for everyone.”