Wambo Wind Farm, a 500 MW development project in south-west Queensland, has announced the first four local recipients of its $50,000 Pre-Construction Community Benefit Fund.
The announcement was made at the Jandowae Bowling Club today by David Smith, Head of Australia at Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico), which is jointly developing the project with Renewable Energy Partners.
The recipients of this first round of funding – Taralga Retirement Village, Jandowae Squash Club, Jandowae Bowls Club and Jandowae Golf Club – were selected from a pool of 10 applicants and will receive a combined total of $32,000.
Applications were reviewed by the project’s Advisory Committee, which made the final funding recommendations to Cubico. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to apply again later in 2021.
The Advisory Committee comprises local residents Kellie Bryant and Cassandra Bassingthwaighte, as well as Jodie Taylor, Community and Liveability Manager for Western Downs Regional Council; David Smith, Head of Australia at Cubico; and Luke McDonald, Managing Director and CEO of Renewable Energy Partners.
David Smith said: “Wambo Wind Farm is delighted to be able to support these important local projects and we look forward to seeing them completed. The selected projects were the most closely aligned with our objectives of supporting sustainable, community-minded projects in the local area.
“The $50,000 Pre-Construction Community Benefit Fund and our sponsorship of local events, including the Jandowae Races, demonstrates our commitment to the communities of Jandowae, Bell and Diamondy.”
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said: “It was fantastic to see local community groups and sporting clubs receiving valuable funding as part of the benefit fund. Our community organisations are the lifeblood of our region and are doing some incredible things to make the Western Downs an even better place to live, work and play.
“It’s wonderful to see Wambo Wind Farm giving back to the community and providing opportunities to local groups to improve their services. It’s a great example of industry and community working together to achieve some fantastic outcomes for the region.”
