Jodie Belyea (Dunkley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Across Dunkley people are seeing the reality of climate change—hotter summers, heavier storms and rising pressure on households and community facilities. But what inspires me every day is the way our community is stepping up and how this government, the Labor government, is delivering real local action to meet this moment. The Powering Creativity and Wellness Electrification project is transforming two of our most-loved community spaces: Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre—PARC—and the Frankston Arts Centre and Library. By replacing outdated gas systems with clean, efficient electric technology powered by renewables, we're not just upgrading buildings; we're safeguarding Dunkley's future. These changes will cut 723 tonnes of emissions every year and save around $207,000 annually. That's a massive 45 per cent reduction in Frankston City Council's gas use. At PARC alone, the shift to high-efficiency electric heat pumps will cut emissions by 511 tonnes a year and save $168,000 per annum. At the arts centre and library, electrification will remove another 212 tonnes of emissions and save another $40,000 a year. This is climate action people can see and feel—cleaner air, warmer pools, safer facilities and savings that go straight back into our community.

It's not just our public buildings making the switch. The federal government's home battery deposit scheme has already seen 856 Dunkley households sign up. That's 856 families choosing cleaner energy and reducing bills. In the coming months, I'll be inviting locals to our renewables and electrification expo, a chance to learn, ask questions and take the next step forward to an all-electric home.

While we power ahead on climate, we are backing local culture too. Over the weekend, the Waterfront Festival marked its 27th year, welcoming around 40,000 visitors to our beautiful foreshore. With a $95,000 support package, we helped bring Australian artists, including Sunday Lemonade and headline act Hockey Dad, to the main stage, keeping live music accessible for everyone.

These investments reflect who we are as a community—creative, resilient and committed to a cleaner future, bringing families, young people and the community together. The Albanese Labor government is delivering on climate action, supporting artists and building a stronger, brighter future.