Creating Benefits for Our Local Communities

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Renewable energy projects developed within the Edward River Local Government Area (LGA) can provide funding and benefits to the local community through several different pathways. These funding streams are designed to ensure local communities share in the economic and social benefits of the clean energy transition.

Community Benefits through Voluntary Planning Agreements

Renewable energy developers provide funding for community benefit through a Planning Agreement that forms part of the NSW Planning Department State Significant Development approval process. These agreements are guided by the NSW Government's Benefit-Sharing Guideline (November 2024) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).

Planning agreement funds are negotiated between Council and the Developer and are intended to support projects, programs and infrastructure that deliver long-term benefits to the Edward River Community.

Funding received through planning agreements will be distributed in accordance with Council’s Renewable Energy Community Benefit Framework Policy and Community Benefits Advisory Committee. Funding will be via community grant programs, community-led projects, infrastructure improvements, environmental initiatives, recreation facilities, education programs and other priorities identified by the community. Further information on the Community Benefit Advisory Committee will be made available when relevant.

EnergyCo Community and Employment Benefits Program

A second source of funding is available through EnergyCo's "Community and Employment Benefits Program" (CEBP), funded from the access right fees paid to the NSW State Government by the renewable energy projects located within South West Renewable Energy Zone.

This funding is administered by EnergyCo, independently from Council's Planning Agreement funds, and is designed to support local employment, workforce development, community wellbeing, economic growth and regional capacity building.

Details of how these funds will be distributed will be determined by EnergyCo along with the program guidelines. Community organisations, businesses, First Nations, training providers and other eligible groups may be able to apply for funding opportunities as they become available.

Your feedback and insights from a community consultation process will help inform what type of benefits are funded and how the CEBP will be designed and delivered in the South-West REZ.

There are two ways to have your say:

  • Complete the online survey
  • Attend one of the community drop-in sessions

To learn more, check out a recording of a recent webinar and to have your say, visit the EnergyCo website.

Consultation finishes on Friday 18 September 2026.

It is anticipated that Community and Employment Benefit funding will commence in the second half of 2027 and will be advertised on Energyco's website.

Project Community Funding Programs

In addition to the funding streams above, individual renewable energy projects may establish their own community benefit funds, grant programs or sponsorship initiatives.

These project-specific funds are managed by the project developer and may provide direct support to local community groups, schools, sporting clubs, not-for-profit organisations and community initiatives. Eligibility criteria, funding amounts and application processes will vary between projects. To explore current project specific funding opportunities - click on the project logo located on the right-hand side of this page.

Renewable energy projects developed within the Edward River Local Government Area (LGA) can provide funding and benefits to the local community through several different pathways. These funding streams are designed to ensure local communities share in the economic and social benefits of the clean energy transition.

Community Benefits through Voluntary Planning Agreements

Renewable energy developers provide funding for community benefit through a Planning Agreement that forms part of the NSW Planning Department State Significant Development approval process. These agreements are guided by the NSW Government's Benefit-Sharing Guideline (November 2024) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).

Planning agreement funds are negotiated between Council and the Developer and are intended to support projects, programs and infrastructure that deliver long-term benefits to the Edward River Community.

Funding received through planning agreements will be distributed in accordance with Council’s Renewable Energy Community Benefit Framework Policy and Community Benefits Advisory Committee. Funding will be via community grant programs, community-led projects, infrastructure improvements, environmental initiatives, recreation facilities, education programs and other priorities identified by the community. Further information on the Community Benefit Advisory Committee will be made available when relevant.

EnergyCo Community and Employment Benefits Program

A second source of funding is available through EnergyCo's "Community and Employment Benefits Program" (CEBP), funded from the access right fees paid to the NSW State Government by the renewable energy projects located within South West Renewable Energy Zone.

This funding is administered by EnergyCo, independently from Council's Planning Agreement funds, and is designed to support local employment, workforce development, community wellbeing, economic growth and regional capacity building.

Details of how these funds will be distributed will be determined by EnergyCo along with the program guidelines. Community organisations, businesses, First Nations, training providers and other eligible groups may be able to apply for funding opportunities as they become available.

Your feedback and insights from a community consultation process will help inform what type of benefits are funded and how the CEBP will be designed and delivered in the South-West REZ.

There are two ways to have your say:

  • Complete the online survey
  • Attend one of the community drop-in sessions

To learn more, check out a recording of a recent webinar and to have your say, visit the EnergyCo website.

Consultation finishes on Friday 18 September 2026.

It is anticipated that Community and Employment Benefit funding will commence in the second half of 2027 and will be advertised on Energyco's website.

Project Community Funding Programs

In addition to the funding streams above, individual renewable energy projects may establish their own community benefit funds, grant programs or sponsorship initiatives.

These project-specific funds are managed by the project developer and may provide direct support to local community groups, schools, sporting clubs, not-for-profit organisations and community initiatives. Eligibility criteria, funding amounts and application processes will vary between projects. To explore current project specific funding opportunities - click on the project logo located on the right-hand side of this page.

Page last updated: 11 Aug 2026, 03:17 PM