Yarra, VIC
City in Victoria
Australia
Yarra, VIC and Merri-bek City Council develop Unlocking Sustainable Strata guides for rental units
Council officials developed the guides in recognition of the lack of resources for apartment and townhome residents. A dedicated website walks users through the steps to installing solar in apartment buildings, state rebates, and other considerations. Two-page guides are available for townhomes along with low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise apartments. Each guide explains how owners and tenants work together to achieve upgrades like centralized heat pumps, community gardens, and LED lighting.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
Yarra, VIC promotes zero-carbon commerce with the Business Renewables Buying Group
Victoria businesses using at least 500 mWh of electricity per year were recruited to the pilot group. A facilitator was selected to leverage the group's purchasing power for 100% renewable electricity contracts. Participating businesses benefitted from reputational boosts, reduced energy costs, and streamlined procurement processes. The Business Renewables Buying Group was led by Yarra in collaboration with Darebin, Melbourne, and Merri-bek councils.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Darebin, VIC
Australia
+2Yarra, VIC introduces interactive mural as part of Safe and Liveable Victoria Street initiative
The mural at the corner of Victoria Street and Park Street was created with photoluminescent paint. Passersby activate colorful images with mobile phone lights and flashlights. Project leaders worked with six participants in the Graffiti Diversion Program on the mural. Council officials anticipate increased foot traffic for nearby businesses and improved public safety from well-lit spaces. Safe and Liveable Victoria Street will add smart lights, wayfinding signage, and surfaces in the future.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Yarra, VIC and ENE.HUB incorporate smart poles into Cremorne Digital Infrastructure Project
City officials are turning AUD 1 million in state funds into smart infrastructure for the bustling precinct. ENE.HUB poles include air quality sensors, people counters, and routing equipment for free public Wi-FI. A centralized platform analyzes real-time data from each pole for a comprehensive view of activity in Cremorne. This project improves connectivity for passersby and businesses while supporting ventures at the state-funded Cremorne Digital Hub.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Yarra, VIC Room to Create Program devotes public resources to arts and fashion projects
Council leaders identified high rents and diminishing studio space as impediments to creative industries. Room to Create published a Call for Expressions of Interest for arts organizations interested in two years of subsidized rent at a council building on 12-16 Peel Street. The selected tenant - KIN Fashion - held an 18-week accelerator for First Nations designers. The program also offers up to AUD 2,000 in individual grants and AUD 5,000 in matching grants for studio improvements.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Yarra, VIC recruits multi-unit property owners for a curbside cardboard collection pilot
Council officials responded to increases in packaging waste during COVID-19 lockdowns with this program. Yarra's call for expressions of interest yielded 50 eligible apartments and multi-unit homes. Participants place cardboard and paper in their yellow recycling bins for pickup every two weeks. Cardboard collections alternate with the standard recycling schedule while using the same bins. Data from the trial will determine if cardboard pickups are necessary citywide.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Yarra, VIC collaborates with the University of Melbourne on permeable pavement project
A new median on McIlwraith Street uses a university-designed pavement made from 70% recycled tires. The pavement formula includes crushed rock and recycled glass to balance absorption with durability. This road surface collects rainwater for distribution to nearby trees and plants. City staffers and university researchers plan a two-year study of the median's impact on heat island effects and plant health.
Yarra, VIC
Australia