Nine community groups in Corangamite will share $100,000 from the Berrybank Wind Farm Grant fund.
Wind farm operator GPG Naturgy provides annual funding for the grants program which Corangamite Shire Council administrates.
The program is open to local community groups operating in the Shire, and individuals acting on behalf of their community, within 75 km of the wind farm.
There are two funding streams: the Berrybank Wind Farm Leverage Grants for beneficial community projects up to $25,000, and Berrybank Project Grants for projects up to $10,000.
At its July meeting, Corangamite Shire Council allocated $44,994 from the Berrybank Project Grant to six projects and $55,000 in Berrybank Leverage Grants to three initiatives.
Mt Elephant Ward Councillor Nick Cole, who moved the approval motion, said Council was very appreciative of Berrybank Wind Farm contributing the funding.
"GPG has been really good at community consultation and engagement and we appreciate their support and contribution to the community.
"It's good to see money flowing to worthwhile projects in the North of the Shire," Cr Cole said.
"This year there were 29 applications which were assessed independently by a panel of two community representatives, two Council representatives, and a representative of the company. It was under-subscribed and we would love to get the budgeted funds out in the community next round, so I encourage anyone with a good idea to apply for funding in 2026."
"We're proud to continue supporting local communities through the Berrybank Wind Farm Grant Fund," a GPG Naturgy spokesperson said.
"Our commitment goes beyond energy generation, we're here to build lasting partnerships with the communities in which we operate.
"We thank Corangamite Shire Council for their ongoing collaboration in delivering this program, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this year's funded projects."
