Bodangora Wind Farm’s $2.1M Community Benefit Fund has been recommended by Dubbo Regional Council’s infrastructure, community and recreation committee, paving the way for final approval at next week’s October Ordinary Meeting.
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Infigen Energy’s landmark contribution will ensure $50,000 is made available to the Wellington community each year for 25 years, the predicted lifespan of the wind farm. Round 1 has been earmarked for a community group grants program to deliver social, cultural, economic or environmental benefits to local communities of the Wellington district.
Infigen Energy operations and projects executive general manager Tony Clark is pleased with the endorsement which confirms the energy company’s commitment to the region.
“We are delighted with the decision made by the council, our payments into the Bodangora Community Fund over the life of the wind farm fund are expected to be worth over $2 million,” he said. “The fund is a way for the project to provide meaningful financial assistance to local projects and initiatives.
“The purpose of the fund is to help local community groups and organisations as well as make a contribution towards road local construction and maintenance.”
The move to flow funds into the local community comes just days after pouring of the first foundation on-site.
“Work is currently underway to construct the roads, bases and substation in order to ensure that the majority of the infrastructure works are completed ready for delivery of the wind turbines,” Mr Clark confirmed.
General Electric and CATCON, along with a consortium of local contractors and suppliers are undertaking construction works including the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of 33 wind turbines – providing 113.2 MW or enough energy to power 49,000 homes.
The $236M project is expected to be fully commissioned in August 2018.
