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In addition to the recently announced Berrybank wind farm Community Grants Program, a new similar program has been announced, administered by the Golden Plains Shire Council and also funded by Berrybank 1 wind farm. The program will open on Thursday 1 September until 2pm, Friday 30 September, with grants available for projects over $10,000.

Delivered in partnership with Berrybank Development Pty Ltd, the Berrybank wind farm Community Grants Program provides funding opportunities to support local events and projects in Golden Plains.

Applicants will be eligible to apply for grant funding in two categories: Economic Development and Tourism projects and events and projects and events over $10,000 with one off and recurring funding available.

Groups must match the amount of funding sought to a maximum of $10,000, either in cash or through in-kind contributions, such as volunteer support.

There will be a minimum of one round of application opportunities each year and funding will be made available over the next 15 years in cooperation with Berrybank Development Pty Ltd. The funding pool is based on the number of operating wind turbines over the previous financial year so it will fluctuate year on year. The initial funding pool will be $60,000.

To support community groups applying for the Berrybank wind farm Community Grants Program, as well as Council’s Community Strengthening Grants program, Council is running drop-in sessions across the Shire in which community groups are invited to stop by and discuss their project.

Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said Council is pleased to administer the Berrybank wind farm Community Grants Program, offering additional funding opportunities to support local events and projects. 

“Not only does the Berrybank wind farm contribute to Victoria’s renewable energy supply, but it also sees significant funding for local community projects. The Berrybank wind farm Community Grants Program will be delivered annually in addition to Council’s existing grants Program, offering further funding opportunities for local community groups to be able to deliver more projects and events that benefit the community”, said Mayor Cr Gavin.

We have been shortlisted as a FINALIST for the Clean Energy Council Community Engagement Award 2022!

Global Power Generation Australia (GPGA) has developed the Berrybank Community Solar Power Program as part of the Community Engagement and Benefit Sharing Plan associated to the Berrybank 1 wind farm and included within the overall $3 million investment made by GPGA during the construction of the wind farm.

The solar power program has been implemented in collaboration with the Corangamite and Golden Plains Shire Councils as well as with the communities located near the wind farm.

The initiative has provided 26 rooftop solar photovoltaic systems that have been installed in community facilities and low-income households throughout the region.  

Beyond the direct positive impact on vulnerable families by reducing electricity bills, the project further pursues a demonstrative purpose both for final users of this renewable energy at the domestic level, and for local installation companies as a business development opportunity.

This kind of initiatives clearly reflects our strong commitment with the creation of shared value and opportunities in the territories where we develop our projects.

Further initiatives are currently being supported by GPGA´s wider $18 million commitment to the local community around the wind farm over a 15-year period.

Ten community groups near GPG’s Crookwell2 Wind farm in NSW have been selected to share in $123,280 of community grants  as recipients of the inaugural round of the Crookwell 2 Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund.

The successful projects span a mix of environmental, heritage, educational, health, and recreational benefits, and range from installing new solar panels, storm water drains and a community kitchen, to creating new tourism resources celebrating local flora and fauna, to relocating two heritage railway buses.

The Community Fund operates under a voluntary agreement between GPG and the Upper Lachlan Shire Council, whereby GPG contributes $2500 per turbine in the Crookwell2 Wind Farm and applications are assessed and recommended for endorsement by Councillors a community s32 committee. 2020/21 grantees were endorsed by Upper Lachlan Councillors at the 19^th November Ordinary Council Meeting.

The projects they will assist include:

• Kiamma Creek Landcare – Pat Cullen Reserve Piping of open stormwater drain – $17,750.00

Crookwell Community Men’s Shed – Solar Panel Installation – $8,000.00

Crookwell Heritage Railway – Relocation transport for two heritage pay bus vehicles – $1,500.00

Crookwell Golf Course – Artificial Tee Fee – $3,000.00

Upper Lachlan Landcare Inc. – Connecting our community our valuable natural asset – $5,280.00

Crookwell/Taralga Aged Care – Two Oxygen containers – $2,790.00

Crookwell Potato Festival – Mobile/portable floor staging – $6,000.00

Crookwell High School – Equity in Technology – $24,272.12

Anglican Parish of Crookwell – Update kitchen – Crookwell Parish Hall – $38,988.00

Oolong Rural Fire Brigade – UHF radios – $1,000.00

Goulburn Crookwell Heritage Railway Inc. – Replacement Lamp Room Building – $14,700.00

Upper Lachlan Shire Council Mayor and Committee Member John Stafford said the Fund provides grants to projects or initiatives that benefit the local community.

“It is wonderful to see so many local community groups benefit from this funding,” Cr Stafford said.