New wave of grants from wind farm

THE SIXTH round of a grants program open to local community groups has just opened, and three streams are available to apply for.

The Moorabool Wind Farm Community Fund opened for funding applications last Wednesday, with the fund providing around $260,000 of funding each year for the life of the wind farm.

Funding is split between Community Grants, Community Scholarships, and scholarships in partnership with Ballarat’s Federation University.

Applications for Community Grants will be considered across four main sectors: Public Health and Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, Skills and Education, and Recreational and Cultural Activities.

Paul McMahon is Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Goldwind Australia, which operates Moorabool Wind Farm.

He encouraged local community groups to apply for funding, and said the company was always excited to see what ideas locals had come up with that need funding.

“Since 2018, Moorabool Wind Farm has contributed over $1 million in funding to over 50 local projects, through grants, donations and scholarships,” Mr McMahon said.

“In 2023 we were proud to support six local individuals with scholarships to support their education. Each year we are amazed to see what initiatives people put forward for funding.

“The local community is full of wonderful ways to show how dollars can be turned into lasting value for the community.”

Applications for funding are open to any not-for-profit or incorporated community-based organisations with projects located up to 10 kilometres from Moorabool Wind Farm, which is around five kilometres south of Ballan.

Applications will considered based on merits, benefits to the community, suitability, the applicant’s background, and proximity to the wind farm.

Applications for Community Scholarships are welcomed to support costs of attending and undertaking education (e.g. course costs, study related materials or tutoring).

Applications are open from any age, any level of education (e.g. high school, tertiary or upskilling) and will be awarded based on merit irrespective of financial need.

Guidelines, the application form with further information and details about how to apply can be downloaded from the Moorabool Wind Farm website.

Applications close at 3pm on Wednesday 12 June 2024.