The NSW Government has announced a $70 million grant program for Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
This initiative, part of the Community and Employment Benefit program, marks the first tranche of funding from a total pool of $128.4 million.
State Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the Central West Orana is playing a leading role in NSW’s renewable energy transition.
“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,” she said
“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.”
NSW Government said it has worked closely with local communities to identify priority areas and needs. Local community groups, councils, and First Nations organisations in the region can now apply for grants across four streams:
- Local Community Small Grants: $500,000 for small-scale projects (up to $50,000 per application).
- First Nations Fund: $10 million for projects empowering Aboriginal organisations (up to $1 million per application).
- Local Community Fund: $15 million to improve local amenities (up to $1 million per application).
- Legacy Infrastructure Fund: $45 million for council-led infrastructure projects.
To support applicants, grant writing workshops will be held across the region, with dedicated support for First Nations applicants.
The Central-West Orana REZ, a key component of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, aims to deliver 4.5 gigawatts of transmitted electricity – enough to power 1.8 million homes. It is the first REZ in Australia to receive planning approval.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.