Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

We’re trialling the use of Artificial Intelligence to detect bushfires as early as possible 👨🚒 Ground cameras mounted on several fire lookouts across the state will operate 24/7 and are configured to only detect smoke 📷 AI software and cameras will support the work of our specially trained Fire Lookout Observers. The cameras will operate even when lookouts aren’t staffed, including when extreme weather conditions makes it too dangerous. Detecting bushfires early gives us the best opportunity to suppress bushfires before they impact communities, the environment, and assets like energy supply and drinking water. Jointly funded by the Victorian and Federal governments, the project is a trial only, to investigate the accuracy of this AI bushfire detection technology. Depending on results, we may extend the trial or develop a remote detection strategy for the future. We’re always looking for new science and technology to help keep Victorians safe 🦺 https://lnkd.in/guy-eGsB

A new strain of avian influenza, H5N1, could arrive in Victoria this spring. It’s important that Victorians who encounter sick or dead wildlife are aware of H5N1, to ensure they minimise risks to other animals and themselves.    Reporting will be key to the early detection of H5N1. Find out how to recognise the signs of H5N1 in wildlife and report suspected cases. Details here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gtRKAAJQ

Well, that’s a wrap! On Day 2 of All Energy we heard from more insightful speakers from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Solar Victoria. Anh Mai spoke about Victoria’s leadership in offshore wind energy and Vanya Kumar outlined Victoria's energy market investment opportunities – and launched our updated investor resources. The 2024 Renewable Energy Investment Prospectus overview and sub-sector packs highlight why Victoria is a key investment destination for companies across the globe. Download the packs at https://lnkd.in/d9EZPCRC A shout out to all who stopped by the DEECA/Solar Vic stand – our team members spoke with hundreds of visitors across the two days. Thank you All Energy Australia – we’re looking forward to 2025 and sharing more exciting updates about Victoria’s renewable energy future.

This Children’s Week, we’re highlighting the many ways kids can connect with nature through play in our state forests. Playing and moving in natural environments is great for children’s minds and bodies. Here are some tips to inspire nature play in our state forests this weekend: ⛵ make a boat from natural materials and watch it sail downstream 🐛 bring a magnifying glass and see how many insects there are 👟 test the kids’ balancing skills by hopping on rocks across the many creeks and rivers 🌿 build a cubby house out of loose branches and sticks 🌤️ lie on grass and encourage the kids to tell you what they can hear, see and feel – a wonderful way to calm little minds 🌲 Develop an obstacle course using natural markers like logs, rocks or picnic tables. For more inspiration visit: https://lnkd.in/gvyCy7H2

Today marked the first day of the All Energy Australia Conference, where the focus was squarely on the renewable energy transition. Following Minister Lily D’Ambrosio’s fireside chat with Clean Energy Council’s Kane Thornton, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Solar Victoria showcased an impressive line-up of speakers who outlined the opportunities of transitioning towards a clean energy future. These included Liz Molyneux on the Victorian Government’s role in the energy transition, Alistair Parker on Renewable Energy Zone development and social licence in Victoria, and Stan Krpan shared insights from our Solar Homes program. All Energy is more than just a gathering; it’s a celebration of innovation and leadership in renewable energy, with Victoria at the forefront of this transformative journey. Join us tomorrow for more great speakers from the Department, including Anh Mai to talk about pioneering offshore wind energy in Australia and Vanya Kumar outlining Victoria's energy market investment opportunities. Find more sessions at https://lnkd.in/gGTbs7e8

What does an old dairy farm have to do with fighting extinction? 🚜 🐾 Haining Farm in the Yarra Valley is being transformed into a safe haven for critically endangered wildlife, including the helmeted honeyeater. 🐤 A 4-kilometre predator-proof fence will be built at the farm, which has already been revegetated and transformed into a public park. 🌿 🌿 The new fence will protect native species from feral animals including cats and foxes, giving them the best chance to thrive. Zoos Victoria and Parks Victoria will build the fence, with support from our Faunal Emblems Program. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gNcgp9VV 📷 Paul Sunnucks

Eligible drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south west can now apply for up to $5,000 in co-contribution grants to support establishing on-farm infrastructure such as: 🔹 Water infrastructure upgrades (pipes, tanks, troughs, dams) 🔹 Stock containment areas 🔹 Grain and fodder storage For more details about the On Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants or to apply today, visit www.ruralfinance.com.au.

Another renewable energy project given the tick through our streamlined approval pathway! Renewable energy developer BrightNight now has the green light to begin construction on the $700 million Mortlake Energy Hub in the state’s southwest. The project will combine a 360-megawatt solar energy facility with a 300-megawatt battery energy storage system capable of powering 140,000 homes and cutting emissions by 41.4 million tonnes annually. Renewable energy projects are now eligible for the Development Facilitation Program pathway – ensuring more cleaner and cheaper energy projects get off the ground faster. Learn more about Victoria’s energy transition at https://lnkd.in/gB7CA4Mp

Exciting news from Tasmania – the first Orange-bellied parrots have arrived! Several birds have been sighted at Melaleuca on the south-west coast of Tasmania, with more arriving all the time. The Orange-bellied Parrot is a small (45-50g) bird no larger than the average smart phone. It’s critically endangered and one of only three migratory parrot species in the world. These little mates can be found along the Victorian and South Australian coast between April and October, before flying across the wild Bass Strait and down the west coast of Tasmania to breed over summer. We’re very excited that these birds have made it safely to the breeding grounds and will keep our fingers crossed for news of further arrivals in the coming weeks. Check out Orange-bellied Parrot Tasmanian Program for regular updates on arrivals from our colleagues in Tasmania. Want to know more about OBPs and actions underway, check out: https://lnkd.in/gUBDf4yA 📸 Paul Rushworth

Don’t miss us at All Energy Australia next week! Come meet our energy experts at our exhibition stand – you’ll find us at M123. And join our DEECA Energy and Solar Victoria colleagues for the Victorian Government Energy Seminar Series on Day 1 in the Industry Workshop Theatre, where we’ll share policy, program and sector knowledge about: ▶️ 10am: Hot water heat pumps: current demand and future trends ▶️ 11am: Victoria’s Energy Policy Landscape and Investment State of Play ▶️ 12pm: Findings from one of Victoria’s largest surveys on home electrification ▶️ 1pm: Transmission Investment Opportunities in Victoria ▶️ 2pm: Navigating compliance standards when installing solar PV, hot water and battery systems ▶️ 3pm: Planning, Biodiversity and Traditional Owner Engagement – Project Development Considerations in Victoria  Find out more, view the full schedule of workshops and register here: https://bit.ly/47urBRp