With another four located in Hay and district, including Edward River Council community Booroorban, they share in $515,000.
Among the largest individual grants is a $50,000 pledge to support the future development of a Country Universities Centre in Deniliquin and Finley.
The allocation to the Country University Centre Southern Riverina will allow for laptops and software to be purchased for students, and videoconferencing equipment.
Group member Leanne Small said this support will support the group’s next application for approval to establish the CUC.
“The establishment of a Regional Country University Centre requires government funding supported by demonstrated financial contributions and strong partnerships from both community and industry stakeholders,” Mrs Small said.
“The Pottinger Energy Park REZ Success Fund Grant provides clear evidence of industry commitment and will deliver a practical benefit by funding the technology required to establish the centres.
“The CUC Southern Riverina Committee sincerely acknowledges and greatly appreciates the support of Pottinger Energy Park through this grant.”
The Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Council has also been awarded $50,000, to install solar energy and a more efficient heating system.
Other grant recipients are as follows:
• Deniliquin Can Assist - $5000 to purchase wheelie bins and signage to collect materials to be recycles under the Return & Earn sheme.
• River Region Early Education - $10,000 to support the development application for its Perrin Park CHildren’s Centre.
• NSW Rural Fire Service - $40,000 each for the Mid-Murray and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area districts to purchase equipment to support firefighters in their duties. Mid-Murrray will purchase a portable generator to enhance emergency response capabilities.
• Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre - $45,000 for two projects. One is the development of a NSW South West Renewable Energy Zone First Nations Engagement Framework, and the other is development of an operational plan to support connection with local and regional tourism operators.
• Booroorban Sporting & Social Club - $20,000 for a mobile cool room.
• Giz a Break - $40,000 for the delivery of health, mental health and wellbeing support camps for young people in 2025 and 2026.
• Hay Children’s Services - $10,000 for the Bushfire Report component of a development application for a new mobile childcare service at Booroorban Community Hall.
The Pottinger project proponents, Someva Renewables and AGL Energy, will also have access to $80,000 to support renewable energy and decarbonisation programs on properties neighbouring Pottinger Energy Park. This includes the installation of solar panels and battery systems.
Pottinger Energy Park has received approval for the development of up to 1300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy via the construction of 247 wind turbines, supported by a battery of up to 500MW-2000MW/h.
The initial phase of development, pending a final investment decision, is expected to begin later this year.
At its peak, Pottinger Energy Park could deliver up to 900 construction jobs and 55 ongoing operational roles.
The Pottinger Energy Park Community Benefits Program is expected to deliver about $26 million in direct support to the community over the next 30 years, in addition to indirect benefits through new job and local business opportunities.
This funding is in addition to EnergyCo’s $60 million Community and Employment Benefit Program announced earlier this month.
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