Page 3488 - Week 09 - Thursday, 24 August 2017

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(5) The ACT Government conducts regular community information campaigns related to heatwave events and potential power outages. The campaigns are applicable to residents in apartments and other building types.

The Chief Health Officer provides annual pre-summer season messaging, including:

how to prevent heat-related stress (drinking plenty of fluids, staying in a cool environment, reducing physical activity);

advice on heat-related stress to at-risk community groups (aged care facilities, childcare centres, schools); and

how to prevent public health risks during planned and unplanned power outages.

The advice provided in the fact sheets is also used in public health messaging during heatwave events. An example of this was during the recorded heatwave on 10-11 February 2017.

In relation to planned power outages, ACT Health and ACT Ambulance Service work closely with ActewAGL to mitigate risks to affected residents. ActewAGL has established community information protocols that include:

maintaining a list of high risk sites; for example, aged care facilities and residents with life support systems;

notifying affected residents by mail at least four days in advance of planned power outages, including a fact sheet for affected residents;

visiting residents with life support systems on the day of the planned power outage to confirm they have a management plan in place; and

providing planned power outage data detailing identified life support sites to ACT Health and ACT Ambulance Service when requested, including high risk sites.

In preparation for the 2017-18 summer season, the ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Health, and key stakeholders will review the risk profile of a heatwave event in the ACT. This will inform the 2017-18 community information campaign.

Housing—energy efficiency
(Question No 462)

Ms Le Couteur asked the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, upon notice, on 4 August 2017:

(1) In relation to the Home Energy Efficiency Program for low income households and the recent welcome announcement of the 1000th home, what is the full range of options and advice the program provides.

(2) Which of these elements are expected to be the most cost-effective in terms of improving comfort and energy efficiency.

(3) Does the program include appliance upgrades or installation of heating/ cooling equipment.


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