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.<\/p>\n
With a pool of $20,000, the Community Benefit Funding scheme, coordinated by the wind farm project\u2019s management, is open for submissions until Wednesday, 31 May.<\/p>\n
Mark Hudson, manager of community engagement and land tenure at WestWind Energy said the money is about supporting local initiatives during the wind farm\u2019s development.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result of the approval and now the construction phase of the wind farm project, we\u2019ve got a dedicated community benefit fund that\u2019s been established,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an early round of funding to enable community groups to benefit directly from the project. It\u2019s all focused on community groups operating directly in the community region.\u201d<\/p>\n
To be eligible for the grant funding, the group\u2019s project must be located within 10 kilometres of the Golden Plains Wind Farm at Rokewood.<\/p>\n
The last round of funding, also with a $20,000 pool, lent financial backing towards upgrading the Rokewood Community Healthcare Centre\u2019s health hub, signage for the Rokewood RSL and new flagpoles and flags for Rokewood Primary School.<\/p>\n
With shovels in the ground for stage one of the wind farm\u2019s more than $3 billion construction, Mr Hudson said the application process for their community grant is being formalised.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve actually established a community reference group and with that in place, they\u2019ll assess all applications and determine how best to allocate funds to maximise the benefit for the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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\u2019s quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n
To apply for the Community Benefit Funding scheme, visit the Golden Plains Wind Farm website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s management, is open for submissions until Wednesday, 31 May. Mark Hudson, manager […]<\/p>\n