Eradicating extended power outages which confronted the Upper Murray during last summer's bushfires is a step closer to being overcome with an initial Victorian government funding injection of $800,000.
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Upper Murray Inc's plan to safeguard communities against long periods without electricity had already started before the bushfires, but the devastating event has fast-tracked the need.
"What the fires proved was just how vulnerable the power supply up here is," UMI vice-chairman Ian Cessa said.
"The end goal is to create a virtual power plant in the Upper Murray and to create micro grids in the small communities starting with Corryong and then going to Cudgewa, Tintaldra, Walwa, Biggara, Nariel Valley and Berringama.
"The idea is to put renewable energy generating capacity on critical infrastructure throughout the Upper Murray."
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They include places of last resort, Country Fire Authority sheds, mobile phone towers including the major communications tower on Mount Elliott.
The funding announced late last week will be used on the first of three phases for an overall project estimated to cost around $5 million and take five years to complete.
"The Local Economic Recovery Program is funding major economic stimulus projects, but also smaller, local-level projects which make a huge difference in town and bring new life to much-loved facilities," Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said.
Further projects funded in the Upper Murray include $544,645 to refurbish the Towong Soldiers Memorial Hall, $473,838 to upgrade the Walwa Services Memorial Hall and enable to function as a refuge during emergencies, $387,384 to upgrade courts at Corryong Tennis Club.
There is also $295,860 to upgrade Kergunyah Hall and $189,000 to improve the surface and drainage on the Possum loop track and Dargo lookout trail on Mount Hotham.
"Whether it's upgrading halls, sporting facilities and parklands in the heart of town, or upgrading nature trails in the pristine Alpine region, projects like these are at the heart of our community-led approach to bushfire recovery," Ms Neville said.
"Further rounds of Local Economic Recovery funding for local community projects will be available this year, ensuring communities have the time they need to determine their local priorities."
