More than 50 regional community projects ranging from critical infrastructure upgrades to affordable housing will share in $60 million in grant funding awarded by the New South Wales state government to towns located within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
NSW Labor says the first round of grants under the its $128 million Community and Employment Benefit Program is being delivered as the Central-West Orana (CWO) REZ is rolled out, with contracts for construction of grid upgrades finalised last week.
NSW energy minister Penny Sharpe says it’s been a huge success – and that, due to overwhelming community interest and a high number of quality applications, the CWO REZ round will be extended and more projects announced.
EnergyCo, which is running the scheme for the NSW government, says more funding will be made available over years to come from grid access fees, which will be paid by the owners of renewable energy projects which are connected to the REZ network.
This round of grant funding, which includes $11.25 million for each of the four councils hosting the REZ, will be shared between 54 local projects targeting upgrades to key worker housing, critical water infrastructure, training programs, preschools and health services, while also boosting sport, cultural events and tourism.
The CWO REZ is one of at least five planned by the NSW government as part of its plan to replace the state’s ageing coal fired generators, three of which will close in less than a decade.
Centred around the regional city of Dubbo, the REZ also takes in Dunedoo, Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington, Gilgandra and other towns that form part of the Mid-Western Regional Council, Warrumbungle Shire Council, Upper Hunter Shire Council and Dubbo Regional Council.
The CWO REZ is expected to bring up to $20 billion in private investment to the region by 2030, and support around 5,000 construction jobs as well as opportunities for local suppliers, but a Community and Employment Benefit Program is being rolled out by EnergyCo to ensure the towns hosting the REZ see positive change before major construction starts.
“These grants are about making sure regional communities at the heart of the renewable energy transformation share in its benefits,” Sharpe said on Friday.
“We’ve been talking with community groups about their priorities and it’s wonderful to see a wide variety of projects receive funding.
“Whether it’s better facilities, new skills or upgraded infrastructure, these grants will deliver real, lasting improvements for people across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone,” Sharpe says.
“Funding like this doesn’t come along very often for a smaller community like Cassilis,” said Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Patrick Ryan, referring to the small village that sits between Merriwa and Dunedoo.
“It’s almost a generational opportunity for a community like ours.”
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey says it’s a thrill to see benefits flow back into the community.
“This is just the beginning,” McCaughey said on Friday. “There’s lots more coming and we’ll see over time significant funds flowing into the Central-West Orana region.”
The successful round one CWO REZ projects include:
– Fitting out a new classroom at Dunedoo Pre-School Kindergarten with a Therapy Room and specialised equipment to provide health services, inclusion and early education.
– Upgrading the Community Hall in Leadville, improving the kitchen, stage area, heating and lighting to increase useability and comfort.
– Adding shade sails to each end of Coolah Swimming Pool and providing equipment such as lane ropes to Dunedoo Amateur Swimming Club.
– Helping Dunedoo Sports Club add floodlighting to 2.6 ha of community and sporting space.
– Funding the Woolly Conversations program to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the shearing and wool community.
– Supporting the Dubbo Waratahs Sports Aboriginal Corporation to host the Dubbo Rugby League Knockout Carnival.
– Upgrading facilities at Wellington Showground.
For further information about the grants program visit: https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/cebp.
