Wind farm funding applications open

APPLICATIONS for funding from the Moorabool Wind Farm Community Fund are open until Tuesday 30 June.

“Conscious of its responsibility to the community, Moorabool Wind Farm created the Community Fund to sponsor local sporting clubs and fund local projects through the Community Grants Program,” Tania Gonzalez, asset management team lead for Goldwind Australia, said.

She said the program started in 2020 and was created to support local projects that would benefit the area near Ballan, Gordon, Mount Egerton, Elaine, Morrisons and Meredith.

“Through the Community Grants Program, the wind farm seeks to support community-led initiatives that help to bring long-term benefit to the area,” she said.

“Moorabool Wind Farm is honoured to partner with not-for-profit groups to help make their ideas come to life to meet local needs.”

She said since the project started, the wind farm had funded more than 80 projects across the public health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, skills and education and recreational and cultural activities sectors.

“The program has funded everything from the purchase of a new fridge or a mower, to the installation of solar panels, and upgrades of playgrounds and reserves,” Gonzalez said.

“The program has also contributed funding towards events such as the Ballan Autumn Festival, the Ballan Feast and Landcare Festival.”

She said they had received positive feedback, and not only from successful applicants.

“Many members of the community often highlight that the funding enables projects to proceed that would not otherwise be possible, delivering tangible benefits to the community,” she said.

“Overall, feedback shows that the program isn’t just about funding, it’s also a great way to support community growth and strengthen local connections.”

The program is for non-for-profit groups only, not for individuals, political organisation campaigns and religious activities, with projects up to 10kms from the wind farm prioritised.

More details at mooraboolwindfarm.com