Wind farm powers community grants

Applications opened last Friday for this year’s Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program, with a pool of $75,000 to be distributed.

The program, which began in 2022, provides funding to community and business groups for tourism, economic development and climate change projects.

It is administered by the Golden Plains Shire on behalf of Berrybank Development Pty Ltd, and applications will be open until 2pm on Monday 1 June.

Applicants must seek funding for amounts exceeding $2,000. Multiple-year applications are permissible for annual events or programs of up to three years.

Past grant recipients have included the Haddon Fire Brigade and the Golden Plains Soccer Club (2025), the Inverleigh Dachshund Derby and the Meredith History Interest Group (2024), the Shelford Duck Race and the Cape Clear Recreation Reserve (2023), and the Cressy and District History Group and the Teesdale Twilight Market and Carols (2022).

Golden Plains mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the grants program played a critical role in strengthening the community.

“This program supports local community groups and business organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs and events to the community,” Cr Sharkey said.

“Funding opportunities are in place to champion and celebrate our region and to help make a difference in our local communities, economy and environment.

“I encourage potential applicants to read the guidelines and discuss your application with council’s community grants team, who are on hand to support you through the application process.”

More information about the program is available on the shire website.

Alternatively, potential applicants can contact the shire’s community development and grants office by emailing [email protected] or phoning 5220 7111.

The Berrybank Wind Farm is operated by Global Power Generation Australia. It has 33 wind turbines in the Golden Plains Shire and 36 in the Corangamite Shire.

The development is about 14km east of Lismore and 16km west of Cressy, and is connected to the power grid via the 220kV Ballarat-Terang Transmission Line.