A key piece of the region's renewable energy future has been secured with Dubbo Regional Council purchasing 93 Simpson Street, Wellington as the new home for the Renewable Energy Awareness and Career Training (REACT) Centre.
The acquisition unlocks the next phase of the project, allowing Council to shift REACT from concept to concrete plans.
The project received an $11.24 million EnergyCo Community and Employment Benefit Program grant for legacy, Council-led projects. The grant is part of the NSW Government's initial $128 million investment to share benefits with communities during the delivery of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
With the land now secured, Council will move into detailed design and delivery, setting the course for a landmark regional facility expected to open by 2028.
When completed the REACT Centre is expected to provide a powerful advantage for residents of the region when it supports employment, attracts industry and prepares residents for future jobs.
DRC Acting General Manager Luke Ryan said acquiring the site was a major milestone in the development of the REACT Centre.
"With the site now secured, we're excited to begin detailed design of the facility and, in due course, break ground for its construction.
"Having the REACT Centre within the Dubbo Region allows our community to have an active role in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
"The training that will be offered at this centre in the future will be opportune for our young people, allowing them to stay here, in their community, while they grow and educate themselves for future jobs," Mr Ryan said.
EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer Hannah McCaughey said the REACT Centre would play a key role in supporting access to jobs and training in the renewable energy sector across Central-West Orana.
"The REACT Centre will support locals who want to build careers in renewable energy, giving them access to targeted training and a pathway into an industry that's already creating real jobs in the region.
"With more than 500 locals already working on the transmission project and thousands more jobs expected during construction and operation, there are significant opportunities ahead for Central‑West Orana communities. EnergyCo is pleased to support the REACT Centre and deliver legacy outcomes through the Community and Employment Benefit Program."
The REACT project is a Council–led initiative designed to support workforce development and long-term economic benefits arising from the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone and broader renewable energy development across regional NSW.
Delivering the centre in Wellington - the heart of NSW's first Renewable Energy Zone – positions the community to directly benefit from the energy transition through skills development, training infrastructure, and employment pathways.
Industry partners Squadron Energy, ACEREZ, Lightsource bp and Tilt Renewables were key funding partners for the business case provided to EnergyCo's REZ Legacy Infrastructure Fund.
To keep up to date with the project, including REACT Centre construction progress, visit the YourSay page at YourSay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/renewable-energy-awareness-career-training-react
