Wind farm fund applications open

APPLICATIONS have opened for wind farm operator Pacific Blue’s Yaloak South Wind Farm Community Fund.

Eligible grassroots groups are encouraged to apply for project funding of up to $10,000 from a $62,000 pool.

Proposed projects must operate within, and provide a clear benefit to, the areas of Beremboke, Glenmore, Mount Wallace or Rowsley.

The fund was established when the wind farm was commissioned in 2017.

Simon Maan, Pacific Blue’s chief strategy and commercial officer, said the towns surrounding Yaloak South played an important part in hosting the infrastructure that supported Australia’s energy transition.

“The fund is one practical way we can recognise that contribution and invest in projects that local people believe will make a meaningful difference,” he said.

Members of the local Community Partnership Group help assess the applications and determine how the funding should be allocated.

“Local communities are best placed to understand their own priorities – they should have a say about where the benefits from these projects are directed,” Maan said. “Our role is to provide the funding and support that allows strong local ideas to become lasting community assets.”

Previous funding has been used for a range of projects, from electronic scoreboards to firefighting equipment.

Maan said Pacific Blue wanted to be a constructive and trusted contributor to the regions in which they operate.

“That means listening to local people, understanding what matters to them and recognising how the energy transition can create genuine opportunities,” he said.

“We know we must continue supporting the regions that help deliver clean energy for Australia.”

Applications close on Friday 7 August and can be made at pacificblue.com.au/communityfund