Community Benefits

The Pines Wind Farm proposal includes a 35-year Community Benefits Package, made up of a Community Benefits Fund, a Nearby Neighbour Program and ongoing contributions to local Council.

Some of these initiatives, including local sponsorship and Electricity Bill Credit Payments are starting now. 
We are open to ideas on the community programs and infrastructure you would like to see funded by The Pines Wind Farm.

Contact us

Nearby Neighbour Program

The Pines Wind Farm Community Benefit Package includes a Nearby Neighbour Program aimed at sharing benefits with households living closest to our project.

Find out more about the program

Investigations phase community benefits

During the investigations phase we:

  • Received feedback from neighbours, traditional owners, and the local community
  • Launched our Electricity Bill Credit program for residents of the Oberon LGA
  • Received ideas from the local community on how to best implement the Community Benefits Package
  • Held a series of community drop-in sessions

We will be continuing this through the planning and approvals phase of the project.

Planning and approvals phase: community benefits

During the Planning and Approvals phase we will:

  • Continue the Electricity Bill Credit program
  • Continue sponsoring community projects
  • Commence detailed ecology, cultural heritage and other studies
  • Commence the process to obtain the required planning approvals
  • Continue sustained engagement with the community throughout the approvals process, including providing opportunities for feedback
  • Create a local supplier and contractor register for services to The Pines Wind Farm during the Planning and Approvals Phase, construction phase, and maintenance phase. You can register your interest on the website
  • Commence discussions with Oberon Council on a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) detailing the ongoing contributions to Oberon Council.

The Planning and Approvals phase has commenced and is expected to take 3-5 years.

Constructions & operations: community benefits

If The Pines Wind Farm receives a planning permit, and progresses into construction we will deliver a 35-year ongoing commitment to a Community Benefits Package equivalent to at least $1050 per MW per year. 

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This will include:

  • Continue sustained engagement with the community so that you know how the project will be delivered
  • Implement the Community Benefits Fund that provides annual funding to be used for community programs and infrastructure in the local region
  • Implement the Nearby Neighbour Program for close neighbours that provides annual payments linked to the proximity of turbines to houses
  • Provide opportunities for employment of local people
  • Draw on the local supplier register so that local businesses can deliver work packages during construction and maintenance
  • Create and implement a wind farm skilled work program, targeting the Oberon region