The fund is designed to support locally led projects that contribute to the wellbeing, resilience and long‑term prosperity of communities near the proposed Yanco Delta Wind Farm, with a focus on initiatives that respond directly to local priorities as the project progresses.
Applications opened yesterday and close on June 28.
Origin’s community engagement delivery lead Samantha Munro said the fund reflects Origin’s commitment to working alongside communities throughout the life of the project.
“The Yanco Delta Wind Farm Community Investment Fund is about supporting the ideas, organisations and people who are already making a positive difference locally,” she said.
“We encourage community groups to put forward projects that deliver lasting value, whether that’s improving local amenities, building community capability, or supporting initiatives that strengthen the social fabric of the region.
“We know strong communities are diverse communities, which is why we’re keen to support initiatives large and small, from grassroots projects through to partnerships that can create broader regional benefits.”
Funding will be available for a wide range of eligible initiatives, including projects focused on economic participation and skills development, environmental enhancement, and improvements to local facilities and community infrastructure.
The Community Investment Fund forms part of a broader package of community benefit and investment commitments associated with the Yanco Delta Wind Farm, which will be delivered over the life of the project.
These commitments include neighbourhood and community investment programs, strategic partnerships, Indigenous investment programs and voluntary planning agreement (VPA) contributions with local councils.
Together, these initiatives are intended to complement the jobs, skills development and economic activity generated during construction and operations, while ensuring the project delivers a lasting social, economic and environmental legacy for communities across the region.
Origin’s 1.5 gigawatt Yanco Delta Wind Farm is proposed for a 33,000 hectare site about 10km north‑west of Jerilderie, within the NSW Government designated South West Renewable Energy Zone.
Full eligibility criteria, funding categories and application details are available at https://yancodelta.com.au/community-investment/.