Heritage Victoria permit underway for Energy Breakthrough communicatio

Published on 16 December 2021

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Works to upgrade the information technology (IT) and communications infrastructure at the award-winning Energy Breakthrough will commence once the permit has been approved by Heritage Victoria.

The package of works has been made possible thanks to $1.5 million from the Victorian Government Crisis Committee of Cabinet – Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (announced in May 2020) which will see a range of enhancement to the event site.

Central Goldfields Shire Councillor and Energy Breakthrough Committee Chairperson Liesbeth Long said the IT and communications infrastructure upgrade is critical to the successful delivery of the Energy Breakthrough event.

“The temporary event setup that has been relied upon to date, is seeing existing equipment failure and it is no longer serviceable or just too costly to install year-on-year. The installation of permanent infrastructure will address these issues with the added bonus of being available for other events held in Princes Park.”

Initially it was proposed to erect 36 poles on which to fix the equipment, however, the Energy Breakthrough team are working hard to ensure environmental impacts are minimal and can be offset with additional trees and vegetation planting. Improvements will not only contribute to a better Energy Breakthrough event but, will also create a safer and more accessible space that encourages community and tourism visitors year-round.

The final proposal as set out in the Heritage Impact Statement will include the installation of two 16m and two 6m poles in Coronation Park, installation of replacement poles along the Fire Brigade Training Track, installation of WIFI nodes on existing buildings and installation of CCTV cameras and loudspeakers across the site (on existing lighting poles, floodlight poles and fencing posts).

A copy of the application is available for inspection at www.heritage.vic.gov.au

The Energy Breakthrough Enhancement Project includes other enhancements to the festival site, racing conditions and the visitor experience including:

  • Expanded scope and technology focus through improvements to the scale and quality of expo site and judging facilities
  • Enhanced spectator experience through creating improved pedestrian access, vantage points and displays across the entirety of the track
  • Improved camping facilities through increased coverage and capacity of electricity and running water across the camping grounds 
  • Improved safety across the site including track improvements, increased lighting, more access points for emergency vehicles and comprehensive post-COVID-19 health and safety adjustments
  • Phase 2 of the work will broaden the reach of the festival, attracting new start-ups and established technology and utilities companies to create a world-class future-skills focused STEM Expo as part of the annual festival. 

The full program of works is expected to be delivered by November 2022. 

 

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