AGL chief operating officer Markus Brokhof, Edward River Council acting CEO Mark Dalzell and Mayor Peta Betts and Someva Renewables’ managing director Jamie Chivers.
Photo by
Margie McClelland
“Tens of millions” in funding will be made available to the Edward River and Hay Shire local government areas if the proposed Pottinger Energy Park proceeds.
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The commitment was made during a special meeting of the project proponents - AGL Energy and Someva Renewables - and potential funding recipients on Thursday.
The energy park is proposed to be established near Booroorban, and consist of a 1.2GW wind farm, a 300MW solar farm, and 500MW/2000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
It would be located 60km south of Hay and 75km north of Deniliquin, within the NSW Gazetted South West Renewable Energy Zone, and include up to 220 wind turbines.
The funding, which is contingent on the project receiving approval from the NSW Government and reaching final investment decision, will go towards local community development, economic diversification and infrastructure projects.
Announced during a community event in Booroorban on Thursday, the bulk of the funding will be delivered via two voluntary planning agreements between Someva and AGL Energy and the two councils throughout the 30-year life of the proposed project.
AGL and Someva also announced the creation of a dedicated First Nations Fund which would support First Nations initiatives in the region, in addition to further funding partnerships with a number of local First Nations and community organisations.
Under the agreements, Giz A Break, Hay Inc and Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council will share in $115,000 in funding to be delivered if the Pottinger Energy Park proceeds through the NSW Government’s renewable energy development process, expected later this year.
Someva Renewables managing director Jamie Chivers said the announcements come after two years of collaboration with the local community and demonstrates the long-lasting benefits the Pottinger Energy Park aims to bring to the Riverina region.
“Someva is excited to announce these funding partnerships as we believe it is critical the local community shares in the economic and social benefits that the Pottinger Energy Park could create.
“The announcement is another important milestone in the development of the Pottinger Energy Park and highlights the broad community support this project enjoys.
“The funding announced aims to support the sustainability and prosperity of the region by boosting local youth employment and training, enhancing community resilience and improving local infrastructure. The funding also aims to protect country and First Nations cultural heritage, while improving employment and economic outcomes for First Nations people.
AGM chief operating officer Markus Brokhof and Someva Renewables’ managing director Jamie Chivers with Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Rose Dunn..
Photo by
Margie McClelland
AGL general manager energy hubs Travis Hughes said if successful, the Pottinger Energy Park could be a “landmark development”, bolstered by the funding announcement.
“We hope this funding will help with infrastructure, First Nations programs, and training and job opportunities for the local community.
“We are committed to working closely with communities across the Riverina to ensure this project not only brings renewable energy to the region, but also creates jobs and socio-economic development.”
Edward River Mayor Peta Betts said Edward River Council was united with Hay Shire Council in its support for renewable energy development.
“The proposed Pottinger Energy Park promises to usher in a new era of sustainable prosperity for our community, with substantial funding poised to drive local development, economic growth, and infrastructure enhancement for the Edward River region.”
Announced last month, the Pottinger Energy Park proposal is in the early stages of development, with preliminary community engagement and planning applications under way.
To find out more, go to somevarenewables.com.au/pottinger.
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