The Minns Labor Government is giving another $6 million to upgrade community facilities across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The funding will upgrade community spaces such as a school, childcare, youth centre, sporting fields and community halls.
13 local projects will receive funding to make sure local people get lasting economic and social benefits from the renewable energy transformation.
One of the projects is funding the Mid-Western Council to build Gulgong's first Youth Centre. The old Gulgong Fire Station will be refurbished into a fun and safe space for young people to connect, develop their skills and grow. It will include a flexible-use space, basketball half court, art wall, and new flooring.
Projects receiving funding include:
- Dubbo Show Society Incorporated - Upgrade of External Track Lighting and Arena Lighting of Dubbo Showground
- Dunedoo Pre-School Kindergarten - Landscaping & Play Equipment Upgrade of Dunedoo Preschool Kindergarten
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance - Cerebral Palsy Alliance Dubbo Centre for Disability Upgrades
- Elong & District Progress Association - Elong Public Hall Upgrade
- Lake Windamere Under Canvas Camping Inc - Disability Care/Accommodation Building
- Mid-Western Regional Council - Billy Dunn Gulgong Sporting Complex Improvements; Gulgong Youth Centre Refurbishment; and Lady Gowrie NSW Mudgee Early Education & Care Centre Expansion
- Mudgee Arts Council- Kildallon Events Calendar
- Orana Early Childhood Intervention and Education Project Inc - Resurfacing and installation of drainage to outdoor play area
- Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation- Ican Nursery Upgrade
- Turill Community Committee and Sports Clubs Inc - Turill Community Hall Renovation and Air Conditioning
- Warrumbungle Shire Council - Upgrade of Community Sporting and Recreation infrastructure at Robertson Oval Dunedoo
These grants are part of the Minns Labor Government's larger $128 million investment for community benefits in the Central-West Orana REZ.
More funding will be made available to communities over the next three decades, generated from fees paid by projects with an access right to connect to the REZ network infrastructure.
For further information on the Community and Employment Benefits Program (including the Local Community Fund grant stream), visit: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/cebp.
Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:
"These projects give young people and families in the Central West Orana better places to connect, learn and live.
"The Minns Labor Government is making sure the renewable energy transformation is delivering benefits for everyone. That's why we're investing in projects that improve daily life, from childcare and sport to youth and community spaces."
Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"These grants are being provided to upgrade community facilities and support projects that will make a real and lasting positive difference in the communities of Dubbo, Dunedoo, Mudgee, Elong Elong, Turill and Lake Windamere.
"Our Government is focused on working with regional communities through the renewable energy system transition which will bring them cleaner and cheaper energy for their homes, farms and businesses."
EnergyCo Chief Executive, Hannah McCaughey said:
"I'm excited to see these projects provide tangible, community-led benefits for locals across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
"EnergyCo has consulted with local communities and is committed to providing them with long lasting benefits as we deliver NSW's five renewable energy zones."
Mid-Western Regional Council General Manager said:
"I am very excited for this project to get off the ground. The Old Gulgong Fire Station will be completely refurbished into a youth centre through the addition of a multi-purpose space, basketball half-court, art wall, accessible toilet, storage and new flooring.
"This crucial funding is very important to the Gulgong community, increasing accessibility, connection, safety and engagement of local youth."
