Energy leader RWE Renewables Australia has announced details of a generous local Community Benefit Fund for the Campbells Bridge Wind Farm if the project proceeds to operations.
The annual fund would be created to provide financial support to community groups, organisations and events and will be calculated at $3,200 per megawatt of project capacity. This means if the wind farm is approved and the project has a rated capacity of 1,000 megawatts, $3.2 million dollars will go into the Community Benefit Fund each year of the project's operational lifespan.
The Community Benefit Fund will be administered in collaboration with the community. Suggestions and feedback will be sought early in 2024 as part of community engagement.
RWE Australia Senior Development Manager, Ash Clifton, says RWE is committed to sharing the benefits of the renewable energy projects with the communities where RWE's projects operate.
“Importantly this is a community fund so we'll be asking the community about how this fund can make a positive contribution,” he said.
"We're open to all ideas which could create opportunities for this part of the Wimmera.
“RWE is already making a difference with a proactive approach to community development, engagement, and support. To date, we have provided more than $60,000 to schools, sporting clubs and community organisations in the Campbells Bridge, Rupanyup, Glenorchy and Murtoa areas.”
“RWE is committed to meaningful community development, engagement and support, and staff have been on the ground since 2022 meeting the landholders who would host the turbines and engaging with neighbours and the wider community, “Mr Clifton said.
"We have door-knocked all dwellings located within 5km of the site boundary project to answer questions and collect feedback, and we have recently started meeting with residents within three kilometres of the proposed turbines.
“A community shopfront will open in Stawell in the new year as a place for people to ask questions and provide feedback on the Campbells Bridge Wind Farm project. We'll also be holding drop-in information sessions Rupanyap and Glenorchy.”
“We will continue to update locals, community groups and other stakeholders with information about the project's status as part of our open and transparent approach.”