First $60 million in community benefits unlocked by the New England Renewable Energy Zone

Penny Sharpe

Minister for Climate Change

Minister for Energy

Minister for the Environment

Minister for Heritage

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council

New England and Upper Hunter communities will share in an initial $60 million investment to deliver local infrastructure, services and employment opportunities as part of the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

The Minns Labor Government is making the funding available through the Community and Employment Benefit Program so it can be invested in priorities that matter to local communities, to create lasting benefits that support long-term regional prosperity alongside renewable energy development.

This funding is being brought forward to ensure initiatives can start to be delivered well before REZ projects begin construction.

EnergyCo will get input from councils and the community on the design of the funding program.

This investment is just the beginning of further benefits to the region that will be unlocked by the New England REZ. It will be amplified in years to come by renewable energy generators that connect to the REZ.

This approach builds on the success of the Central?West Orana REZ, where community benefit funding has been delivered to projects including key worker accommodation in Mudgee, water security initiatives in the Warrumbungle Shire and early education services for children in Dunedoo. It has also supported targeted employment initiatives for young people, returning workers and people transitioning into renewable energy careers.

These investments help to ensure host communities are well?placed to benefit from the jobs and economic opportunities generated by renewable energy development.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering the New England REZ as part of a once-in-a-generation transformation of NSW’s power system, to keep the lights on and put downward pressure on prices as coal-fired power stations retire.

The REZ is expected to bring more than 6,000 full-time construction jobs and 2,000 ongoing operational jobs to the region.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“Renewable energy projects will deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for regional communities in New England and the Upper Hunter, and we’ve taken action to ensure investment will begin to flow well before projects come online.

“This initial $60 million for legacy benefits means communities can start seeing practical benefits early. And it’s just the start – there will be more investment, more local jobs, and significant work for local businesses.”

EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer, Hannah McCaughey:

“I am excited to see funding start to roll out for communities in another Renewable Energy Zone. This is just one of the ways we will see renewable energy translate into regional development.

“EnergyCo is committed to working closely with communities and organisations across New England to deliver strong, long?term outcomes from renewable energy infrastructure. We invite residents to participate in upcoming consultation so local voices can help shape the region’s future.”

About the New England REZ:

The New England REZ is a critical energy project for NSW that will deliver clean, reliable power to homes and businesses across the state.

The REZ, centred around Armidale, has some of the best wind resources in NSW. Its 8 gigawatts of network capacity will provide energy to consumers as coal-fired power stations go offline.

The REZ is expected to bring more than 6,000 full-time construction jobs and 2,000 ongoing operational jobs to the region. It will also create additional demand for workers in local manufacturing, retail and transport, and in the supply of goods and services.

More information is available at energyco.nsw.gov.au/cebp.

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