The Golden Plains Wind Farm Management (GPWFM) Community Benefit Fund has been established to provide financial sponsorship support for a range of community-based initiatives, projects and events that benefit local communities. The objective of the Fund is provide financial support to not-for-profit community groups and organisations that are working to make a positive and lasting contribution to regional communities within and around the Golden Plains Wind Farm
During the planning and construction stages of the Golden Plains Wind Farm, the Community Benefit Fund will, twice a year, provide $10,000 for a range of community purposes and needs, including health and social welfare, safety, environmental, educational, youth projects, sport and recreation, culture, the arts and economic development. Twice a year, the fund is overseen by a Community Reference Group (CRG) – a group of volunteers that live in and around the wind farm site. The primary role of the CRG is to enhance communication between WestWind Energy and the community; enhance WestWind’s understanding of community issues; encourage community partnerships; and, ensure the local community benefits as a result of the Wind Farm project.
Applications for the Second Round of the 2020 community funding are open from 1 September to 30 October with a total pool of $10,000 available.
Once the wind farm is operational, the Community Benefit Fund will increase the financial support for local not-for-profit groups and projects to $228,000 a year ($1,000 annually per constructed turbine).
The Community Fund Guidelines and 2020 Round 2 Application are here: Golden Plains Wind Farm- Community Benefit Fund Guidelines