Wednesday, 19 March 2025

 Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote) (10:06): Victoria’s clean energy future is happening right in the Northcote electorate. Three new community batteries will soon be powering Fairfield and Alphington, ensuring more homes can harness cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy. With rooftop solar booming in our community, these new batteries will mean that extra energy is not going to waste. They will store excess solar during the day and feed it back when it is needed most, cutting power bills, reducing reliance on the grid and improving energy resilience. This is what Labor governments do – real investment, real action and real benefits for local people.

While we are powering up our suburbs we are also investing in the open spaces that bring our community together. Community consultation has just opened for upgrades at Merri Common, a project that I have fought hard for, securing $1.5 million from our Labor government to transform underused rail land into a thriving community space. There are now draft designs across four locations, including the much-loved Peters Reserve, for new seating, native plantings, improved play spaces and a possible bike pump track for local kids. Both Merri Common and Peters Reserve have rich local histories fought for and preserved by local groups, including the Merri Stationeers and the Friends of Peters Reserve. Their passion and persistence has been an incredible contribution to our community. We now have a unique opportunity to shape these parks for future generations.

I urge everyone in my community in Northcote to have their say before the consultation closes. In Northcote we are investing in renewables, revitalising public spaces and putting the community at the heart of every decision.