A NSW Government website

Understanding the Community and Employment Benefit Program

Community benefits

Our move to renewable energy will ensure that everyone has a reliable, affordable supply of power now and for generations to come.

In NSW, regional communities hosting renewable energy and transmission lines will share the financial benefits of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. It will bring new investment, funding and local jobs.

The Community and Employment Benefit Program will contribute to the long-term prosperity of host regions by funding community-led initiatives, public infrastructure and First Nations projects.

The program will continue for many years after we've delivered our renewable energy zones. It will invest hundreds of millions of dollars into regional communities to ensure they receive lasting, transformational benefits.

We're also developing partnerships and programs to support local employment and small business development, including skills development, training and opportunities.

We'll announce more information and updates about the program on this page.

Sign up for our newsletter

Leadville Community Hall - Community and Employment Benefits Program grant recipient

Announcing successful grant applicants for Central-West Orana REZ

We’ve announced the first round of grants within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Community Employment Benefit Program. 

Learn more about the successful grant projects below. 

Grants in the Central-West Orana REZ

On 20 October 2023, the Minister for Energy announced that an initial $128 million would be made available for community and employment benefits in the Central-West Orana REZ over the next four years. Funds have been brought forward so that communities can benefit from the renewable energy transition even before construction begins.

Hundreds of millions of dollars will be made available for community and employment benefits in the Central-West Orana REZ over the next 33 years. The program will be funded from access fees, paid by generation and storage projects with an access right to connect to the network infrastructure.

We worked with communities within the Central-West Orana region to ensure the program reflects regional priorities. You can read about the full Consultation Feedback Report below.

The $70 million in funding for Stage One is now available through four grant streams.

The four grant streams are:

  • Local Community Fund: $15 million for community and First Nations projects that improve local amenity and foster community connections;
  • Local Community Small Grants: $500,000 to support small-scale events, initiatives or projects that deliver tangible benefits for local and First Nations communities;
  • First Nations Fund: $10 million for projects that empower local Aboriginal organisations, create job opportunities and enhance outcomes for Aboriginal people; and
  • Legacy Infrastructure Fund: $45 million for eligible councils to work with communities to deliver infrastructure projects that boost liveability and drive regional economic development.

Community and Employment Benefit Program for Central-West Orana

Grant application details

Support is available

During consultation, members of the Central-West Orana community made it clear that support is needed to ensure community groups can submit the most competitive grant application possible.                                                       

EnergyCo has acted on this feedback and, together with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, provided five grant writing workshops across the Central-West Orana REZ to assist Local Community Fund applicants.                                                                                                    

EnergyCo is also providing dedicated, tailored support for First Nations Fund applicants. This support is available to applicants following the submission of Part A of the application form.​

Watch the Local Community Fund Grant Writing Workshop webinar(link is external)

Resources

Grant recipients for Central-West Orana REZ

Enabling local projects

Watch: Leadville Community Hall Upgrade

Get in touch with EnergyCo

Email us

contact@energyco.nsw.gov.au

1800 118 894 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) 

media@energyco.nsw.gov.au

Sign up for our Powering NSW e-newsletter.