The installation of Maldon Community Battery has been finalised, complete with its bold surface design by Dja Dja Wurrung artist Daikota Nelson. The TT [Tarrangower Times] has been in touch with Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, who was a key champion of the project, to find out what she thought about the outcome.

Regarding the location she said: “I know Powercor did a lot of work with the community around this site and made the decision after consideration of all the feedback. There were a few technical requirements needed to get the most benefit from the battery and this site ticks all those boxes.”

Ms Chesters spoke about the Indigenous design. “On the artwork, it is wonderful to have DJAARA working in our communities on these kinds of projects,” she said. “The artwork ties the modern technology of the battery to the Traditional Owners of the land, which is a beautiful connection.”

Now that there is more of a push for home batteries, with subsidies and government encouragement, the TT [Tarrangower Times] wondered if the Community Battery still seemed like a good idea.

“Batteries of all kinds are a key part of our transition to renewable energy across Australia,” Ms Chesters responded.

“Building storage for the energy generated by renewable technologies like solar – including community batteries – is how we will deliver clean electricity across the economy.”

She said that extra electricity storage in the town is worthwhile. “Just like it’s great for households to install a battery, it’s also great for communities to have that additional storage to help reduce the pressure on the grid. Community batteries also allow households that cannot install solar panels to enjoy renewable energy.”

The Government is continuing to work towards more community batteries like the one in Maldon; the Community Batteries for Household Solar program is planning to install 400 units across Australia. Ms Chesters said: “This investment is about building a cleaner, more resilient energy system.”

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 2 April 2026.