Community benefits for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone

$70 million in funding for Stage One of the Central-West Orana REZ Community and Employment Benefit Program.was made through four grant streams:

• First Nations Fund: $10 million for projects that empower local Aboriginal organisations, create job opportunities and enhance outcomes for Aboriginal people.
• 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.
• Legacy Infrastructure Fund: $45 million for eligible councils to work with communities to deliver infrastructure projects that boost liveability and drive regional economic development.

These funds were brought forward so that communities could begin to benefit from the transition to renewables in the Central-West Orana region before construction started. 

Successful community projects include:

• fitting out a new classroom at Dunedoo Pre-School Kindergarten with a therapy room and specialised equipment to provide health services, inclusion and early education
• upgrading the community hall in Leadville, improving the kitchen, stage area, heating and lighting to increase useability and comfort
• adding shade sales to each end of Coolah Swimming Pool and providing equipment such as lane ropes to Dunedoo Amateur Swimming Club
• helping Dunedoo Sports Club add floodlighting to 2.6 ha of community and sporting space
• funding the Woolly Conversations program to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the shearing and wool community
• supporting the Dubbo Waratahs Sports Aboriginal Corporation to host the Dubbo Rugby League Knockout Carnival
• upgrading facilities at Wellington Showground.

Learn more about the Community and Employment Benefit Program