Fostering close collaboration with the communities to build lasting social and economic value
Spark Renewables is developing the Dinawan Energy Hub, consisting of a wind farm, solar farm and battery storage system, located approximately 30 kilometres south of Coleambally and 30 kilometres north of Jerilderie, NSW. A landmark project such as this will provide an opportunity to support local communities through a long-term benefit-sharing fund.
The Community Benefit Fund will commence at construction of the first stage of the Dinawan Wind Farm, which will involve the installation of 357 megawatts of wind generation capacity over a three-year construction period, followed by a 30-year operational phase. Over this period, the fund will distribute $1,855,508 to support local community initiatives. An independent facilitator is currently working with community members to develop a community-led governance structure giving the local community a meaningful role in deciding how funds are allocated.
Commitments to the Community Benefit Fund also include $1,415,250 from the Dinawan Solar Hybrid Farm over a 37-year period and $1,819,125 from stage two of the Dinawan Wind Farm over a 33-year period. These funds will be administered by council, with support from an advisory committee, to support initiatives that deliver collective benefits for the local community in accordance with the Edward River Council’s Renewable Energy Community Benefit Framework.
Based on feedback from community members, priorities being considered include:
- Community energy programs to help households and farms reduce energy costs through solar, batteries, heat pumps and other energy initiatives (in addition to the Electricity Rebate Scheme for neighbours).
- Seed funding and support for local housing initiatives.
- Fire mitigation and community safety.
- Community capacity-building to provide resources and expertise to help local groups and businesses to develop projects, apply for funding and deliver initiatives.