WHAT'S NEW?! #43 - VILLACH IN OCTOBER 2024

The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In October, Villach residents can look forward to a diverse program of culture, science, and environmental protection, featuring highlights like innovative milestones, new measures for green mobility, flood protection, and accessibility, as well as exciting events.

• Milestone for Infineon: The Infineon plant in Villach has developed the world's first 300-millimeter gallium nitride wafer technology for power electronics. This groundbreaking innovation allows the production of 2.3 times more chips from larger wafers, resulting in more compact and efficient semiconductors.
   
• Villach on the road to accessibility: Villach is actively committed to creating an inclusive and accessible life for all citizens. Through the Equality Advisory Board and numerous projects, inclusive parks with wheelchair-accessible raised beds and special playground equipment have been created. Public transport is also barrier-free, and events such as the opening of the Kirchtag are translated into sign language to ensure participation for all.
   
• Flood protection construction progresses: The first phase of flood protection at the tpv Technology Park, with a budget of 7.6 million euros, is nearing completion. Further measures are planned for Seebach, lake Silbersee, Duel, and St. Ulrich. Once the sections in St. Agathen and the city center are completed, a total of 2,000 people and 160 buildings will be protected from flooding of the Drau River.
   
• Annual civil defense and test alarm: On Saturday, October 5, 2024, sirens will sound across Austria, including Villach, from 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the annual civil defense and test alarm. Simultaneously, the new AT-Alert warning system will be introduced, which quickly and securely warns people via text message about nearby environmental dangers and disasters.

• Stricter penalties for litterbugs: Villach has increased fines for those who carelessly dump waste along the Gail River by 50%. The minimum fine is now 500 euros. Security personnel regularly patrol the area, and larger waste bins are provided to improve cleanliness.
   
• City buses go green: Villach city buses have recently switched to HVO100 (100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a synthetic fuel made from waste products of vegetable oil processing. This reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90% and saves approximately 2,350 tons of CO₂ annually.
   
• Pilot project for cyclists in Villach: At the Wiesensteig/Tiroler Straße intersection, cyclists can now turn right at a red light. A supplementary sign with a green arrow indicates this. This regulation aims to make cycling safer and more comfortable and is part of Villach’s expansion of its cycling network.
   
• Mini Education Lab invites to Open House: On October 22, the Mini Educational Lab at tpv Technology Park Villach will open its doors to young researchers from 1 to 7 p.m.! Children can experiment and explore the exciting world of science in a playful way.
   
• Events: In October, Villach offers a colorful cultural program. Children's theater will captivate young audiences with varied performances starting in October. Jazzherbst kicks off on October 3rd, and from October 2nd to 13th, the Krimifest Kärnten will delight crime fiction fans with gripping readings. On October 5th, the Long Night of Museums invites visitors from 6 p.m. to midnight to enjoy exhibitions and guided tours. On October 7th, the Korean ensemble Samulnori Molgae will perform their music program "The Way" in their Austrian premiere.