Our move to renewable energy will ensure that everyone has a reliable, affordable supply of power now and for generations to come.
In NSW, regional communities hosting renewable energy and transmission lines will share the financial benefits of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. It will bring new investment, funding and local jobs.
The Community and Employment Benefit Program will contribute to the long-term prosperity of host regions by funding community-led initiatives, public infrastructure and First Nations projects.
The program will continue for many years after we've delivered our renewable energy zones. It will invest hundreds of millions of dollars into regional communities to ensure they receive lasting, transformational benefits.
We're also developing partnerships and programs to support local employment and small business development, including skills development, training and opportunities.
We'll announce more information and updates about the program on this page.
Announcing successful grant applicants for Central-West Orana REZ
We’ve announced the first round of grants within the Central-West Orana REZ Community Employment Benefit Program.
Learn more about the successful grant projects below.
Grants in the Central-West Orana REZ
On 20 October 2023, the Minister for Energy announced that an initial $128 million would be made available for community and employment benefits in the Central-West Orana REZ over the next four years. Funds have been brought forward so that communities can benefit from the renewable energy transition even before construction begins.
Hundreds of millions of dollars will be made available for community and employment benefits in the Central-West Orana REZ over the next 33 years. The program will be funded from access fees, paid by generation and storage projects with an access right to connect to the network infrastructure.
EnergyCo worked with communities within the Central-West Orana region to ensure the program reflects regional priorities. You can read about the full Consultation Feedback Report below.
The $70 million in funding for Stage One is now available through four grant streams.
The four grant streams are:
- Local Community Fund: $15 million for community and First Nations projects that improve local amenity and foster community connections;
- Local Community Small Grants: $500,000 to support small-scale events, initiatives or projects that deliver tangible benefits for local and First Nations communities;
- First Nations Fund: $10 million for projects that empower local Aboriginal organisations, create job opportunities and enhance outcomes for Aboriginal people (fact sheet); and
- Legacy Infrastructure Fund: $45 million for eligible councils to work with communities to deliver infrastructure projects that boost liveability and drive regional economic development.
Grant recipients for Central-West Orana REZ
- Coolah Amateur Swimming Club Inc: Shade the Swimmers
- Gilgandra Shire Council: Gilgandra Region RFDS Health Hub
- Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW Ltd: Extension of PCYC Wellington with gymnastics fit out
- NSW – Central West Muslims Association Incorporated: Extension of NSWCWMA Community Hall and Accommodation Facilities
- Cassilis Bowling Club Ltd: Looking to the future by creating accessible, comfortable, and energy efficient spaces for everyone in our community
- Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW LTD: Dubbo Gymnastics Upgrade and Youth Program Enhancement
- Dunedoo Sports Club LTD: Lights on in Dunedoo for brighter, bigger and safer community spaces
- Burrendong Arboretum Land Manager: Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum Rejuvenation
- Mid-Western Regional Council: Putta Bucca Wetlands Redevelopment Project – A Rewilding Initiative
- Coolah Showground and Recreation Land Manager: POWER, LIGHTS, ACTION! ‘Power’ the grounds, ‘Light’ the arenas, Let the campdraft, rodeo and concert ‘action’ commence in Coolah
- LeaderLife Limited: LeaderLife - Let's Grow Good Food and Good Kids
- Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society Inc (WATS): Refurbishment of Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society Building, WATS Place: Breathing New Life into the Performing Arts in Wellington
- Warrumbungle Shire Council: Bowen Oval, Coolah upgrade of recreational facilities and amenities
- sHedway Limited: Woolly Conversations – raising the baa in suicide prevention and positive mental health with the shearing industry of the Central West Orana Zone
- Binnaway PAH&I Association Incorporated: New, accessible amenities for Binnaway Showground
- Marathon Health Ltd: Mudgee Flying Start
- Cassilis District Development Group Incorporated: New wastewater disposal system and upgrade of electrical supply to community assets at Cassilis War Memorial Park for health, safety and preparedness for future building
- Warrumbungle Shire Council: Providing key community infrastructure in Coolah by upgrading Park and Playground Equipment at McMaster Park Coolah
- The Black Stump Craft Shop Inc: Launch The Black Stump Craft Shop into the 21st Century
- Wellington Arts Centre Inc: Renewing our future project
- Warrumbungle Shire Council: Milling Park - upgrade existing playground incorporating adventure playground elements and sensory garden
- Cassilis District Development Group: Stage 2 Building Connections: A Universal Designed Community Centre for Rural Resilience in Cassilis NSW
- Wellington Show Society Inc: Upgrade of Kitchen and Bar - Wellington Showground
- Dubbo Junior AFL Club: Upgrade of Old Girl Guide Hall to be a Welcoming, Accessible AFL Club House
- Mid Macquarie Landcare Inc: Project BBBB (Bats/Beaks/Bills/Bears)
- Leadville Community Association Inc: Leadville Hall Infrastructure Project
- Dubbo Show Society Incorporated Bird Netting for the Dubbo Showground Grandstand and Ewen MacInnes and Expo Pavilion
- Mendooran Preschool Inc: Multipurpose Community Early Intervention Hub
Funding for the Local Community Fund will only be committed after we execute a funding deed with a recipient.
Once we execute the funding deed, more information will be available on the NSW Grants and Funding website.
- Green Canoe Inc: Creating Resilience through Recreation: strengthening women and communities around the Wambuul Macquarie River ($16,559.66)
- Dunedoo Amateur Swimming Club Inc: Lane ropes and lane ropes reel replacement ($10,007.43)
- Dubbo Waratahs Sports Aboriginal Corporation: Dubbo Waratahs Ruby League Knock Out ($15,000)
- Regional Development Australia Orana: The MAWA Compact and Framework ($26,910)
- Kanandah Retirement Ltd: Ensuring Resident Security and Safety at Kanandah Aged Care ($38,000)
- Lifeskills Plus Incorporated: Lifeskills Plus Inclusive Community Centre ($44,640)
- Destination Country and Outback NSW Ltd: Dubbo Visitor Accommodation Business Case: Assessing the impacts on the visitor economy expected from REZ projects + developing strategies to attract investment to Dubbo ($45,000)
- Mudgee Wine Association: Mudgee Wine Association Industry Strategy ($45,000)
- Dunedoo Pre-School Kindergarten Inc: Fit Out Equipment for New Classroom Facility (to provide Health, Inclusion and Early Education to Dunedoo and the surrounding community) ($47,762.06)
- Coolah District Development Group: Engage professionals to prepare a business case for a proposed Visitor and Community Centre to house a Historical, Agricultural and Cultural Museum in Coolah. ($49,500)
- Elong Elong RFS: Elong Elong RFS fire fighting water supply ($20,999)
- Binnaway Tennis Club Incorporated: Binnaway Community free kids’ tennis coaching sessions ($3,250)
- Binnaway PAH&I Association incorporated: Binnaway show week community events ($20,000)
- Gulgong Hostel Association Inc t/a Wenonah Lodge & Wenonah Community Care: Serenity Garden Project ($14,063)
- Ballimore Recreation Reserve Land Manager: Updated Whitegoods for Canteen ($15,250)
- Burrendong Arboretum Land Manager: Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum EcoTourism Feasibility Assessment ($49,665)
- Watershed Landcare Group Incorporated: Yindyamarra, Gulgong Community Connections Program ($33,660)
Funding for the Local Community Small Grants will only be committed after we execute a funding deed with a recipient.
Once we execute the funding deed, more information will be available on the NSW Grants and Funding website.
- Dubbo Regional Council – REACT Centre Training Facility (Stage 1A) ($11,238,476.83)
- Mid-Western Regional Council – Mudgee Key Worker Housing Construction ($11,250,000)
- Upper Hunter Shire Council – Cassilis Sewerage Treatment Plant ($9,769,518)
- Upper Hunter Shire Council – Cassilis Footbridge, Pathways and Landscaping ($1,387,915)
- Warrumbungle Shire Council – Dunedoo Sullivan Street Independent Living project ($3,115,365.75)
- Warrumbungle Shire Council – Coolah Sewage Treatment Plant ($3,932,200)
- Warrumbungle Shire Council – Dunedoo Sewage Treatment Plant ($2,940,000)
- Warrumbungle Shire Council – Dunedoo Water Supply Scheme ($ 658,455)
- Warrumbungle Shire Council – Coolah Water Supply Scheme ($500,000)
Funding for the Legacy Infrastructure Fund will only be committed after we execute a funding deed with a recipient.
Once we execute the funding deed, more information will be available on the NSW Grants and Funding website.
Fitting out a new classroom at Dunedoo Pre-School Kindergarten with a Therapy Room and specialised equipment to provide health services, inclusion and early education. 
Upgrading the Community Hall in Leadville, improving the kitchen, stage area, heating and lighting to increase useability and comfort. 
Adding shade sails to each end of Coolah Swimming Pool and providing equipment such as lane ropes to Dunedoo Amateur Swimming Club. 
Cassilis Sewerage Treatment Plant 
Dunedoo Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades and refurbishment
Grant application details
Detailed Grant Guidelines for the Local Community Fund, the First Nations Fund and the Legacy Infrastructure Fund are available below:
- Local Community Fund Grant Guidelines
- First Nations Fund Grant Guidelines
- Legacy Infrastructure Fund Grant Guidelines
Please contact [email protected] for information about the Local Community Small Grants eligibility and application process.
Applications are now open.
Please submit your application form through the Smarty Grants portal:
- Apply for the Local Community Fund
- Apply for the First Nations Fund
- Apply for the Legacy Infrastructure Fund
Please contact [email protected] for information about the Local Community Small Grants eligibility and application process.
| Grant stream | Closing date |
|---|---|
| Local Community Fund | 4pm, Tuesday 8 October 2024 |
| First Nations Fund | 4pm, Tuesday 14 July 2026 Applications are temporarily closed as submitted applications exceed total FNF funding. Applications may be reopened following the eligibility assessment of submitted applications |
| Legacy Infrastructure Fund | Applications closed 4pm, Friday 13 September 2024 |
Support is available
During consultation, members of the Central-West Orana community made it clear that support is needed to ensure community groups can submit the most competitive grant application possible.
EnergyCo has acted on this feedback and, together with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, provided five grant writing workshops across the Central-West Orana REZ to assist Local Community Fund applicants.
One of these sessions was recorded and is available below for those who were unable to attend the in-person workshops.
EnergyCo is also providing dedicated, tailored support for First Nations Fund applicants. This support is available to applicants following the submission of Part A of the application form.
We recognise that hosting renewable energy infrastructure represents real change for those living and working in REZs across NSW. That is why we are providing support to communities in the REZs to deliver lasting, tangible benefits.
Further information on the program is available in the Community and Employment Benefit Program Policy Paper.
We are also developing partnerships and programs to support local employment and small business development, including skills development, training and opportunities.
More information on the next stages of community benefits will be announced in the coming months.
EnergyCo hosted a series of consultation events across the region between February and March 2024 to inform program design and ensure the funding is allocated to reflect community priorities, building on previous consultation work.
Consultation included an online briefing and Q&A session, six facilitated stakeholder workshops, eight community drop-in sessions and an online survey which received more than 140 responses.
You can read more about the key findings from the consultation in the links below.