Spark Renewables

‘Shaurntae Memorial’ Jersey Presentation by the Narrandera Wiradjuri Warriors

Dinawan Energy Hub /

Spark Renewables recently welcomed Geoffrey Johnson to our Manly office. Geoffrey is a proud Wiradjuri man, former rugby league football player and mentor to younger generations through the Narrandera Wiradjuri Warriors Rugby League Football Club. 

Our relationship with the Warriors and the wider Narrandera community began in 2023 through our engagement associated with the Dinawan Energy Hub. Since then, it has developed into a valued and ongoing relationship built through time spent together, listening, learning and supporting an organisation that provides young people with role models, mentorship and opportunities to represent their community. 

The relationship also holds a special connection to our much-missed colleague, Shaurntae Lyons, who played an important role in bringing our organisations and communities together. 

Following Shaurntae’s passing in February 2025, the Narrandera Wiradjuri Warriors established the Shaurntae Memorial Team, which includes her sons, to compete at the annual NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival. 

During his recent visit, Geoffrey presented Spark Renewables with a commemorative jersey in Shaurntae’s honour on behalf of the team. The gesture means a great deal to our team and is a reminder of the relationships Shaurntae built and the lasting influence of her work. 

During her time with Spark Renewables, Shaurntae helped establish many of the principles, guidelines and engagement plans that continue to shape how we work with First Nations communities in the areas where our projects are located. 

Her contribution went well beyond plans and processes. She encouraged us to listen, build relationships before they are needed, understand communities on their own terms and approach engagement with genuine respect. 

We are grateful to the Narrandera community and the Wiradjuri Warriors for the relationship we continue to share, and privileged to see the connections Shaurntae helped establish continue to grow. 

Her influence remains part of the way we work today, through the relationships she formed, the work she shaped and the path she created for those following behind. 

‘Shaurntae Memorial’ Jersey Presentation by the Narrandera Wiradjuri Warriors Read More »

Community Benefit Fund Drop-in sessions on 9-10 September 2026

Dinawan Energy Hub /

The Dinawan Energy Hub is located approximately halfway between Coleambally and Jerilderie.

Spark Renewables invites local residents, community organisations and local businesses to join us for a community session about the Dinawan Energy Hub Community Benefit Fund:

on Wednesday, 9 September 2026
at the Monash Media Room, Jerilderie
from 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm, including a group discussion from 4:00 pm

on Thursday, 10 September 2026
at the Coleambally Community Club, Coleambally
from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, including a group discussion from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm

The sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Community Benefit Fund that will form part of the Dinawan Energy Hub, and to help shape how it could support the local area and the surrounding region.

We want to hear from local people and community groups about:

  • the community’s priorities, needs and aspirations;
  • ideas that could create lasting benefits for Coleambally and Jerilderie;
  • local projects and initiatives that may require support;
  • how the Community Benefit Fund should operate; and
  • how the community would like to remain involved as planning progresses.

We are also keen to hear from local businesses and community organisations interested in supplying goods or services to the Dinawan Energy Hub.

This includes discussing:

  • the goods and services that can be provided locally;
  • what businesses and organisations may need to become project-ready;
  • barriers to tendering for or delivering project work; and
  • possible capability-building, training or financial support that may help local suppliers pursue opportunities.

The sessions are informal and intended to gather ideas and understand local needs. Participation does not guarantee funding, employment or a project contract, but the information received will help us develop our approach to community benefits and local participation.

You are welcome to drop in at any time during either session for an informal one-on-one conversation or attend the scheduled group discussions.

We would particularly like to hear from residents, community groups, sporting clubs, service organisations, local businesses, farmers, education and training providers, and others with ideas for the future of Coleambally and Jerilderie.

Please come along, share your ideas and help us understand how the Dinawan Energy Hub can deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for the community.

For further information, please contact Justin Coburn at justin.coburn@sparkrenewables.com.

Community Benefit Fund Drop-in sessions on 9-10 September 2026 Read More »

See you at the Wentworth Show

Mallee Energy Hub /

Spark Renewables is proud to sponsor the annual Wentworth Show, held on the last weekend of August each year at the Wentworth Showgrounds. The Show is a much-loved community event that brings together local businesses, producers, exhibitors and competitors from across the region, with plenty of opportunities to celebrate locally grown produce, skills and achievements. You can view the full program of events taking place across Saturday and Sunday here.

For the Spark Renewables development team, the Wentworth Show is also an important opportunity to spend time in the community and have conversations about the proposed Mallee Wind Farm.

“My family has a farm in Victoria, so country shows are very familiar to me. The Wentworth Show is one of my favourite events to attend each year as part of the development team. It gives us the opportunity to enjoy a great local event while speaking directly with community members about the proposed Mallee Wind Farm.”
Claudia Nance, Development Officer

Visitors are welcome to stop by the Spark Renewables stall to meet the team, view project materials and ask questions about the proposed Mallee Wind Farm.

Ahead of the Show, we are also inviting community members to submit any questions, comments or topics they would like to discuss with our team. You can share yours in advance via this form:

Submit your question here (anonymous)

See you there!

See you at the Wentworth Show Read More »

Supporting local students through Chances for Children

Mallee Energy Hub /

Spark Renewables is a proud sponsor of the Chances for Children scholarships, including the “Keeping Kids at Secondary School” program, which supports students in their final years of secondary school to complete their education, and the “Tertiary Scholarship” program, which assists young people aged 24 and under to pursue further study or apprenticeships after leaving school. 

Read about the scholarships here

To learn more about application rounds, eligibility and how to apply, contact the Chances for Children team on (03) 5023 5966 or at chances4children@malleefamilycare.com.au.

Supporting local students through Chances for Children Read More »

Spark Renewables successful with two solar hybrid projects in the capacity investment scheme

Dinawan Energy Hub, Spark Renewables, Wattle Creek Energy Hub /

Spark Renewables, a leading Australian developer and owner of renewable energy assets, welcomes the announcement that it has been successful with two of its solar-hybrid projects in Tender 7 of the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS):

  • Dinawan Solar Hybrid: Stage 2 of the Dinawan Energy Hub project. The project has been awarded access rights and is located in the South West Renewable Energy Zone in New South Wales. The 357 MW Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1) was successful in Tender 4 of the CIS. Dinawan Solar Hybrid consists of 300 MW of generation and 1,200 MWh of storage capacity, located halfway between Jerilderie and Coleambally.
  • Wattle Creek Solar Hybrid: Stage 2 of the Wattle Creek Energy Hub project in partnership with the University of Sydney. It consists of 180 megawatts (MW) of generation and 720 megawatt hours (MWh) of storage capacity, and is located near Marulan in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

The CIS is an Australian Government revenue underwriting scheme to accelerate investment in renewable energy generation. Projects tendered via the competitive process are evaluated on their ability to deliver low-cost, reliable power; their track record of community and First Nations engagement; proposed community benefit sharing; and their contribution to regional economic growth and procurement of local content. See Capacity Investment Scheme – DCCEEW.

Mr Anthony Marriner, the Chief Executive Officer of Spark Renewables, said: “Spark Renewables will supply electricity from three separate projects under the Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme, collectively representing 480 MW of solar and 357 MW of wind generation, backed up with 1,920 MWh of battery storage capacity.”

“We are confidently delivering on our goal to develop high-quality projects leading the renewable energy transition in Australia, in a way that prioritises Australian manufacturers and service providers; supports jobs during construction and operations over a project’s lifetime; and meaningfully addresses project impacts on the community and the environment.”

“Spark Renewables will continue to focus on accomplishing project milestones to achieve commercial operations by 2030, as targeted by the Capacity Investment Scheme. We are targeting financial close of the Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1) before the end of this year, followed by the Wattle Creek Standalone BESS in early 2027,” said Mr Marriner.

ENDS

Contact:
Marju Tonisson
E: marju.tonisson@sparkrenewables.com

Spark Renewables successful with two solar hybrid projects in the capacity investment scheme Read More »

Claudia Nance and Laurie Wallis from Spark Renewables hosting a pop-up stall at the 2026 Mildura Field Days

Mallee Wind Farm receives positive response at 2026 Mildura Field Days

Mallee Energy Hub /

For the fourth year, Spark Renewables participated in the 2026 Mildura Field Days, where our team had the opportunity to speak with local residents, students, teachers, businesses, industry representatives and community organisations about the proposed 400 MW Mallee Wind Farm, located approximately 16 km north-east of Buronga in New South Wales and 17 km north-east of Mildura, Victoria. 

The Mildura Field Days provided a valuable opportunity to host a pop-up stall, share information about the project, hear directly from the community, and better understand local priorities, questions and opportunities. 

Over the two days, more than 70 locals from Mildura and the broader Mallee region visited our stall.  

We asked about their sentiment towards the Mallee Wind Farm and found that views were overwhelmingly positive toward the Mallee Wind Farm project – with 65% of respondents saying they were either “supportive”, “positive”, “collaborative”, “interested” or “curious”. Another 21% of respondents said they were “neutral” and the remainder 14% expressed “mixed”, “skeptical” or “negative” views. 

Stakeholder survey at Mildura Field Days revewaled overwhelming support for the Mallee Wind Farm proposed project by Spark Renewables
Source: Survey at the Mildura Field Days

Local interest and community conversations 

Many community members stopped by the Spark Renewables stand to view project maps, collect newsletters, and learn more about the proposed Mallee Wind Farm. Several residents expressed support for renewable energy investment in the region and were interested in the potential economic and community benefits associated with the project.  

There was also strong interest in biodiversity and environmental considerations. Attendees asked thoughtful questions about bird flight paths, the project’s proximity to Mallee Cliffs National Park, turbine visibility and decommissioning.  

Several attendees working in energy and infrastructure also raised practical questions about transport logistics, road access, transmission infrastructure and powerline considerations. 

These topics were mostly raised as part of the formal consultation process of the development application via the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for the Mallee Wind Farm. In response, further investigations including biodiversity, water resource, and aviation assessments; transport and landscape studies; and heritage documentation were completed as part of the Submissions Report and Amendment Report for the Mallee Wind Farm which were lodged with DPHI in April 2026.  

Ongoing consultation with the local community and government agencies will inform management strategies for issues raised, including:  

  • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan 
  • Biodiversity Management Plan
  • Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Plan  
  • Bush Fire and Emergency Management Operations Plan 
  • Community plans (benefit-sharing, engagement, accommodation, employment, industry and Aboriginal participation)
  • Construction management plans (noise and vibration, soil and water, traffic and transport)
  • Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
  • Operational Environmental Management Plan 

For a more detailed update on the Mallee Wind Farm development application progress, you can read the latest community newsletter or sign up to project news. 

Opportunities for local businesses and contractors 

Many businesses, including transport, crane, earthmoving, concrete, and civil construction, were interested in participating in renewable energy projects more broadly, asking about future supplier, tendering and partnership opportunities. Local contractors expressed interest in potential balance-of-plant works, civil packages, concrete supply and transport services.  

> Anyone interested in registering their interest in supplier and service provider opportunities can sign up here.  

Education, training and research connections 

The Mildura Field Days also created opportunities to connect with educators and researchers interested in future classroom engagement opportunities and potential collaboration with Spark Renewables. 

Students were interested in learning technical facts about wind turbines and wind energy and asked practical questions.  

“Our team regularly presents to students studying electrical trades at TAFE locations to support their learning and industry awareness, and we are excited to have been invited to visit the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE in Mildura later this year.”

Mallee Wind Farm receives positive response at 2026 Mildura Field Days Read More »

Spark Renewables office lobby

HSE Advisor

Jobs /

Apply to become a Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Advisor at Spark Renewables

  • Join a growing team and be part of a leading renewable energy company.
  • Sydney based, enjoy hybrid office environment with our stunning Manly office.
  • Be part of a collaborative, values-driven team with great culture and benefits.

Our project pipeline has expanded significantly, with a range of exciting new wind, solar and battery storage developments progressing across the National Electricity Market. To support this growth, we are looking for an experienced HSE Advisor to join our Delivery and Operations team to help deliver best-in-class health, safety and environmental outcomes across our project portfolio.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Safety Manager, you will support the safe and compliant delivery of Spark Renewables’ projects, ensuring that health, safety and environmental standards are embedded across all phases of development and delivery. You will work across both site-based and office-based activities, providing day-to-day HSE guidance to project teams, monitoring contractor compliance, and supporting risk management and incident reporting.

Key responsibilities

  • Support the implementation and continuous improvement of Spark Renewable’s HSE management systems across the business
  • Conduct site inspections, audits and safety observations across wind, solar and battery energy projects
  • Monitor contractor compliance with HSE requirements, procedures, legislation, standards and codes of practice
  • Assist in the identification, assessment and mitigation of HSE risks across all project phases
  • Support incident investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
  • Deliver HSE inductions, toolbox talks and awareness sessions
  • Maintain HSE documentation, records and reporting systems
  • Contribute to the development and enhancement of HSE systems, processes and procedures

What we are looking for

  • 3-7+ years’ experience in HSE roles within construction, infrastructure or renewable energy
  • Certificate IV or Diploma in Work Health and Safety (minimum); relevant environmental qualifications advantageous
  • Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation, standards and codes of practice
  • Experience conducting site inspections, audits and incident investigations
  • Strong communication skills and ability to engage effectively with site and office-based teams
  • Incident Cause Analysis Method (ICAM) or equivalent investigation trained
  • WHS General Construction Induction (White Card) and a current driver’s licence

Why you’ll love working with us

We believe our culture is second to none, and our exceptional retention rate is testament to that. We are a team of passionate professionals from diverse backgrounds, united by our focus on sustainability and our purpose to build Australia’s renewable energy future.

Our team is supportive, and we have an open-minded, forward-thinking, and inclusive culture. We offer flexible work arrangements, a hybrid work environment, and a fantastic office location in Manly with ocean views. We place a strong emphasis on professional development, wellbeing, and opportunities to work on impactful, future-focused projects.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

We are committed to building a team that represents a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, genders, skills, and abilities. We are also dedicated to fostering meaningful change within our organisation and community, including First Nations communities, through our Reconciliation Action Plan.

How to apply

If this role sounds like you, please apply by providing a covering letter specifically addressing the selection criteria together with your CV. Please direct any questions you may have to people@sparkrenewables.com.

HSE Advisor Read More »

Mallee Wind Farm project Response to Submissions lodged in April 2026

Mallee Wind Farm newsletter – April 2026

Mallee Energy Hub /

Download the PDF newsletter here: Mallee Wind Farm – Community Newsletter #8 – April 2026

~400 MW wind farm with up to 76 wind turbines
Standalone battery 100 MW / 200 MWh

Overview

The Mallee Wind Farm is a proposed renewable energy project located in the Wentworth Shire Local Government Area, approximately 16 km north-east of Buronga.

Developed by Spark Renewables, the project would have a generation capacity of 400 MW, co-located with a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The site is located on flat, cleared land with a strong wind resource and is well positioned to generate, store, and dispatch electricity to the National Electricity Market.

  • Equivalent to supplying electricity to over 200,000 households
  • Up to 225 jobs during peak construction and around 30 ongoing jobs during operations
  • $420,000 annually in direct payments to community and council funds (based on 400 MW capacity)
Mallee Wind Farm proposed project investigation area
Mallee Wind Farm proposed project boundary and investigation area

Planning Update

The Mallee Wind Farm is a State Significant Development under NSW planning legislation and requires a rigorous planning and assessment process that ensures environmental, social, and economic impacts are properly considered. Following the lodgement of a formal ‘Response to Submissions’ and an ‘Amendment Report’ for Mallee Wind Farm in April 2026, the project is now under assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Development application status of the proposed Mallee Wind Farm project as at April 2026

Find the project Response to Submissions and Amendment Report on the NSW Planning Portal for Major Projects by visiting this page.

Community consultation

Consultation for the Mallee Wind Farm project commenced in August 2022 with the announcement of the project and our first information sessions. We engaged closely with key stakeholders to better understand matters important to the local community.

The project’s Environmental Impact Statement was on public exhibition between 13 November and 10 December 2024, receiving 140 submissions. There were 30 submissions from stakeholders within 100 kilometres from the project. Further information was requested about the project impacts and management plans, with no objections raised by the local council or government agencies.

Interest in Project Impacts

There were 61 public submissions that identified specific environmental, social and economic impacts of the project. Most of these related to various social impacts (44%); followed by questions about management of traffic, waste and water use (24%); protection of biodiversity (23%); and planning for aviation and bushfire safety (9%).

There were 61 submissions that identified 14 separate issues, on 141 occasions
Source: Mallee Wind Farm Response to Submissions
(April 2026)

Upcoming Events

Spark Renewables is committed to open and ongoing engagement with the community throughout the development of the Mallee Wind Farm. We value the opportunity to meet with local residents and community groups to share project information, answer questions, and hear community feedback to understand the ongoing concerns and learn about benefit sharing opportunities. Our project team will continue to attend local community events where we host an information stall and provide updates on the project.

You can visit Spark Renewables’ information stall at:
– Mildura Field Days on 15-16 May 2026
– Wentworth Show on 29-30 August 2026

Community Benefit Sharing

Consistent with the NSW Benefit Sharing Guideline, the project would contribute $1,050 per MW each year during construction and operations. Spark Renewables is currently engaging with the Wentworth Shire Council, community and First Nations organisations to co-design a benefit-sharing program to create lasting social value for the community.

Mallee Wind Farm newsletter – April 2026 Read More »

Dinawan Solar Farm Approved

Dinawan Energy Hub /

Spark Renewables welcomes the approval of the Dinawan Solar Farm development application by the NSW Independent Planning Commission, marking a significant step toward delivery of the Dinawan Energy Hub in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The approved project includes an 800 megawatt (MW) solar farm and a 1,574 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), designed to deliver reliable, firmed renewable energy to the grid.

“This approval is a major milestone for the Dinawan Energy Hub, which will be a hybrid wind, solar and battery storage power hub to support a cleaner, more secure energy system in New South Wales,” said Anthony Marriner, CEO of Spark Renewables.

Supporting energy security and regional development

The Dinawan Solar Farm will contribute to improving grid stability and energy security, while reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based generation.

The Project will also deliver significant economic benefits to the Murrumbidgee region, including the creation of approximately 400 jobs during construction and 10 ongoing operational roles.

Part of the South West Renewable Energy Zone

In April 2025, Spark Renewables was awarded access rights for 1,007 MW in the South West REZ. These access rights authorise projects to apply to connect to the transmission network infrastructure. The Dinawan Energy Hub forms part of the South West REZ, including an allocation of 300 MW of solar generation and 1,200 MW of battery energy storage.

Strong community engagement and investment

Spark Renewables has undertaken extensive consultation and technical studies over more than four years to address community and environmental impacts.

The Dinawan Energy Hub includes benefit sharing and social commitments worth over $90 million, including funding for local and Aboriginal communities, neighbours, and council-led critical projects.

Spark Renewables has developed a program to create upskilling, employment and procurement opportunities, and to co-fund research and innovation programs.

Responsible development

The Dinawan Solar Farm has been approved with comprehensive conditions covering traffic, noise, fire safety, and environmental management. Spark Renewables will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure these requirements are met and impacts are minimised.

Next steps

With solar approval now secured, Spark Renewables expects the determination of the Dinawan Wind Farm to follow in the coming month. Together, these projects will enable the full delivery of the Dinawan Energy Hub in the South West REZ.

The Dinawan Solar Farm will now progress through detailed design, grid studies, procurement and compliance with conditions of consent, with financial close anticipated following this next phase.

Prior to construction of the solar farm, development of the Dinawan Energy Hub will include the establishment of the on-site accommodation village and the first stage of the wind farm by late 2027.

Dinawan Solar Farm Approved Read More »

Spark Renewables welcomes NSW Government support for Dinawan Energy Hub through Investment Delivery Authority

Dinawan Energy Hub /

Spark Renewables has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement that the Dinawan Wind Farm and Dinawan Solar Farm, part of the Dinawan Energy Hub, will receive dedicated support through the state’s new Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) to help move the projects from proposal to delivery. 

The NSW Government confirmed that the Dinawan Wind Farm and Dinawan Solar Farm, located in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), are among 14 major energy projects endorsed through the inaugural round of the IDA process, aimed at accelerating critical energy investment across New South Wales. 

The endorsed projects include a strong pipeline of solar and wind generation and battery storage developments that will help strengthen NSW’s energy security and support the transition to a modern electricity system. 

The IDA was established by the NSW Government to support the delivery of major projects by providing tailored support for complex developments. A dedicated planning assessments team within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, along with a multi-agency Investment Taskforce in the Premier’s Department, has been formed to help projects progress through planning and delivery more efficiently.

This endorsement does not grant an approval. The Dinawan Solar Farm and Dinawan Wind Farm development applications are under a separate planning assessment and will comply with relevant state and Commonwealth legislation and policies.

This endorsement highlights the critical role that renewable energy projects will play in meeting NSW’s future electricity needs. 

As NSW undergoes a once-in-a-generation transformation of its electricity system, Spark Renewables welcomes the Government’s commitment to working collaboratively with project proponents to remove barriers to investment in the energy transition. 

With growing investment in renewable generation and energy storage, collaborative frameworks like the IDA will play an important role in enabling projects that support regional economies, create jobs and deliver clean energy for the future. 

Spark Renewables remains committed to working with the NSW Government, local communities and industry partners to help deliver the next generation of renewable energy infrastructure across the state. 

Spark Renewables welcomes NSW Government support for Dinawan Energy Hub through Investment Delivery Authority Read More »