Wind farm grants now open

LOCAL groups are able to reap the benefits of the latest round in a community grants program offered through the construction of the Golden Plains Wind Farm.

With a pool of $20,000, the Community Benefit Funding scheme, coordinated by the wind farm project’s management, is open for submissions until Wednesday, 31 May.

Mark Hudson, manager of community engagement and land tenure at WestWind Energy said the money is about supporting local initiatives during the wind farm’s development.

“As a result of the approval and now the construction phase of the wind farm project, we’ve got a dedicated community benefit fund that’s been established,” he said.

“This is an early round of funding to enable community groups to benefit directly from the project. It’s all focused on community groups operating directly in the community region.”

To be eligible for the grant funding, the group’s project must be located within 10 kilometres of the Golden Plains Wind Farm at Rokewood.

The last round of funding, also with a $20,000 pool, lent financial backing towards upgrading the Rokewood Community Healthcare Centre’s health hub, signage for the Rokewood RSL and new flagpoles and flags for Rokewood Primary School.

With shovels in the ground for stage one of the wind farm’s more than $3 billion construction, Mr Hudson said the application process for their community grant is being formalised.

“We’ve actually established a community reference group and with that in place, they’ll assess all applications and determine how best to allocate funds to maximise the benefit for the community,” he said.

“The intent is to have community members assess the applications. For our criteria we look at what the benefits of what the project are and how it will enhance the community’s quality of life.”

To apply for the Community Benefit Funding scheme, visit the Golden Plains Wind Farm website.