NSW Government launches $70 million grant program for Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone
The grant program will benefit communities in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone as part of its Community and Employment Benefit program.
The NSW Government is injecting $70 million into the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) as part of the Community and Employment Benefit program. This funding is the first part of a total $128.4 million aimed at supporting local community groups, councils, and First Nations organisations.
The Central-West Orana REZ, a key part of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, will provide at least 4.5 gigawatts of transmitted electricity, enough to power 1.8 million homes. It is the first REZ in Australia to receive planning approval and aims to stimulate economic growth through substantial private investment, create local jobs in construction and ongoing maintenance, and integrate regional communities into the development of NSW’s sustainable energy future.
The Community and Employment Benefit program aims to ensure communities in the REZ experience direct benefits from the energy transition even before construction commences. The funds are allocated across four grant streams:
Local Community Small Grants: A total of $500,000 is available for small-scale projects that offer tangible benefits to local communities, with each applicant eligible for up to $50,000.
First Nations Fund: $10 million is designated for projects that empower Aboriginal organisations, create employment opportunities, and enhance outcomes for Aboriginal people. Each project can receive up to $1 million.
Local Community Fund: $15 million is set aside to improve local amenities and foster stronger community connections, with grants of up to $1 million available.
Legacy Infrastructure Fund: $45 million will enable councils to work with communities to deliver infrastructure projects that boost liveability and drive regional economic development.
To assist applicants, grant writing workshops will be conducted across the Central-West Orana, with specific support for First Nations applicants. Additional funding rounds will be progressively introduced. Further details and application support can be found on the EnergyCo website here.
“The Central West Orana is playing a leading role in our state’s renewable energy transition," said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe.
"These grants are a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensure the community can share in the benefits the renewable energy zone will bring, creating job opportunities and infrastructure for the future.”
“We are committed to the long-term prosperity of the regions and will continue to work closely with all REZ communities as we transform our state’s energy system,” Sharpe added.
