1. Renewable Energy and Resilience: Powering the Future This IWG has already delivered tangible results. The group successfully helped secure state government funding for additional solar power and a Neighbourhood Battery in Powelltown, a town which experiences frequent blackouts. But their ambition extends far beyond backup power.
The group ' s flagship project involves transforming a closed landfill site in Wesburn into a small solar farm with battery storage and electric vehicle charging. It ' s an elegant solution: turning an environmental liability into an economic asset, while providing cheaper power for local enterprises and continuous supply to community facilities. The project has progressed through preliminary feasibility studies to detailed technical assessments. The group is even exploring innovative ownership models, potentially making the community shareholders in their own energy future through a community-owned renewable energy cooperative.
2. Artisanal Agriculture and Abattoir: Closing the Loop The Upper Yarra ' s ' bucolic nature ' is both a blessing and a curse. The region boasts good soils, reliable rainfall, and proximity to Melbourne – perfect for small-scale agriculture. Yet farmers struggle to make a living from small holdings, partly because there ' s no local abattoir.
This IWG is tackling that gap head-on, investigating potential sites and engaging with major utility providers who might host a future community-operated abattoir. Their research has revealed that an abattoir service could create a viable business model supporting agricultural diversification across the broader Yarra Valley. Beyond serving local farmers, it could process culled feral deer, simultaneously addressing an economic opportunity and an environmental problem, while creating a premium protein source for locals and Melbourne ' s restaurant market.
3. Repurposing Abandoned Buildings: Breathing Life into History Abandoned buildings dot the Upper Yarra but this IWG sees potential where others see decay. Their focus on two historic properties demonstrates how heritage can become an economic driver:
O ' Shannassy Lodge once hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 and operated as a drug rehabilitation centre before falling vacant. The IWG has funded a Conceptual Options Assessment and is pursuing development as a walk-in accommodation and education centre.
Launching Place General Store sits strategically on the Warburton Highway, backing onto the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail. Despite one surveyor ' s recommendation that the building be condemned, the IWG is exploring renovation to develop the site as a showcase for locally produced food and drink.
4. Transport and Access: Reimagining Mobility While the 683 bus route connects Lilydale to Warburton, getting off the main highway remains challenging. This IWG conducted a small trial in April 2025 using shuttle buses taking locals and visitors to natural beauty spots, collecting data to design future services that could reduce congestion while improving access. Future plans include electric buses powered by the proposed solar farm— a perfect example of how innovations connect across themes.
5. Eco-Tourism: The Walking Economy This IWG focuses on the existing ' Walk into History ' trail, examining improvements from Big Pat’ s Creek to Powelltown and potentially looping back to Wesburn / Yarra Junction. The group is also supporting the ambitious Birrarung Valley Walk – a mouth-to-source walking experience that could incorporate the O ' Shannassy Aqueduct Track and Lodge. The ultimate vision? A 112-kilometre flagship hike to Walhalla, developed in collaboration with groups within the neighbouring Baw Baw Shire.
VOL 18 NO 2 2025 18 www. edaustralia. com. au