An initial $60 million in funding will soon be provided to communities in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) to support local infrastructure, services, and employment opportunities.
The funding will be delivered through the Community and Employment Benefit Program. It aims to support projects that create long-term benefits for regional communities while renewable energy development continues.
Local councils and community members will be consulted on how the funding should be used. The program will focus on local priorities and projects that support regional growth.
The eligible funding area has also been expanded. Some towns outside the REZ boundary will now be able to access benefits because they may be affected by new energy infrastructure. These areas include Coleambally, Jerilderie, and Deniliquin.
More funding will become available in the future through contributions from renewable energy projects connecting to new transmission infrastructure in the REZ.
The program follows similar community benefit initiatives in other renewable energy areas. Previous projects have supported worker accommodation, water security, early education services, and employment programs for young people and workers moving into renewable energy careers.
The South West REZ is expected to provide major economic opportunities for the region. It will support renewable energy generation that can power up to 1.6 million homes and businesses across NSW.
The project is expected to create around 1,690 local jobs each year during construction and hundreds of ongoing jobs once renewable energy facilities begin operating. It will also increase demand for workers in areas such as manufacturing, transport, retail, and local services.
The South West REZ covers areas from west of Jerilderie to the Victorian border near Mildura. It includes communities such as Buronga, Gol Gol, Balranald, and Hay.
The zone will include renewable energy projects and new transmission infrastructure. It is expected to unlock 3.56 gigawatts of clean energy capacity over the next decade.
The community funding program aims to ensure local areas share in the economic and social benefits of renewable energy development.