South West communities invited to help shape $60 million legacy fund

Communities hosting new renewable energy infrastructure in the South West are being invited to help shape a $60 million program that will deliver lasting local benefits for decades to come.

EnergyCo has launched consultation on the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Community and Employment Benefit Program, which will invest in projects and programs that deliver legacy outcomes for the region.

Throughout July and August, local communities, councils and First Nations groups will have the opportunity to provide feedback to EnergyCo on how the program is designed and delivered.

The consultation includes an online survey, webinar and community drop-in sessions.

An initial $60 million will begin flowing to communities across the South West, funded through access fees paid by renewable energy developers connecting to the South West REZ transmission network. These access rights holder projects are Bullawah Wind Farm (BayWa R.E.), Dinawan Energy Hub (Spark Renewables), Pottinger Energy Park (Someva and AGL) and Yanco Delta Wind Farm (Origin Energy).

Additional contributions from future access rights holders will continue to grow the program over time.

The funding area was recently expanded to include towns and communities outside the REZ boundary that are also supporting REZ development, ensuring a fairer distribution of benefits.

The South West REZ is one of five across NSW that will combine wind, solar and storage projects with transmission lines to replace retiring coal-fired power stations. They will help keep the lights on for homes and businesses across NSW and put downward pressure on power bills.

For further information on the South West REZ, including the details of upcoming information sessions and a link to complete the online survey, visit: https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/sw-cebp

Quote attributable to EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey:

"Communities hosting the infrastructure needed to power NSW deserve to share in the benefits it brings."

"This program is about creating lasting value for local communities by investing in projects that strengthen the region, support local employment and deliver benefits well beyond construction."

"We're looking forward to hearing from local communities, councils and First Nations groups to help deliver a meaningful legacy."

What is a renewable energy zone? 

Renewable energy zones (REZs) group new wind and solar power projects into locations where the generated electricity can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. 

Five zones have been identified and will keep electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire by delivering large amounts of energy. 

By concentrating renewable energy infrastructure within REZs, the NSW Government can reduce the need for new transmission lines, minimise impacts on communities and create stronger regional economies. 

REZs also help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition. 

About the South West Renewable Energy Zone:

The South West REZ stretches from west of Jerilderie to the Victorian border near Mildura. It includes Buronga, Gol Gol, Balranald and Hay, and includes:

• 2 new transmission lines – Project EnergyConnect and Victoria NSW Interconnector West (VNI West)
• renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and battery storage infrastructure.