If ENGIE’s proposed Plains Renewable Energy Park wind and solar farm progresses through approvals and to operation, ENGIE will provide an initial $12 million to community programs.
The remaining funds are to be allocated over the project’s estimated 30-year lifespan.
Hay Shire Council will administer the program, with an independent skills-based committee of local representatives providing advice and strategic direction.
The funding program includes funding streams for education, tourism, housing and infrastructure activities, with an additional funding stream of $5.4 million being made available for First Nations activities.
Hay Shire Mayor Carol Oataway said council supports the energy transition and is focused on ensuring benefits are maximised for our local community.
“We are committed to empowering our community and building long term relationships with industry to ensure that the transition happens with our community and not to it.
“The transition presents a significant opportunity for our community to realise lasting social, economic and environmental benefits.
“We welcome the collaborative approach of ENGIE in delivering the Community Benefit Sharing program.”
ENGIE’s managing director of renewables for Australia and Southeast Asia, Thierry Kalfon, said the Community Benefit Sharing program was another example of ENGIE’s long-term commitment to Hay.
“We have previously announced sponsorship support packages for community groups and events, as well as a $1000 annual electricity rebate to be offered to project near neighbours, all of which underline our commitment to make a positive impact for the people of Hay.”
The Plains Renewable Energy Park is a proposed large-scale development that aims to harness wind and solar energy to provide affordable, reliable and clean electricity for homes and businesses in NSW.
It will include the construction of a wind farm, solar farm and a battery energy storage system and will operate alongside existing agricultural activities.
It will cover an area of nearly 60,000 hectares in Hay Shire and Edward River Council, on two sides of the Cobb Highway on Mungadal Station, owned by Paraway Pastoral Co.
Reports commissioned by ENGIE have acknowledged it will impact the endangered Plains-wanderer, with a report stating it “may result in the disturbance to 14.15 hectares of critical Plains-wanderer habitat, in an area of recorded breeding individuals”.
For more information about the project, go to engie.com.au/theplains.
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