The first annual $90,000 grant from the Biala Wind Farm community fund has just been awarded with nearby Grabben Gullen receiving funds for three projects.
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The 31-turbine wind farm began construction in 2019 and first started generating energy in 2020. It is subject to standard Australian Energy Market Operator testing protocols and is currently able to operate 19 turbines simultaneously, two stages before full capacity is reached in 2022.
The fund is open to applications from community groups and must be located within 20km of the wind farm which is 15km outside of Crookwell.
Once summited, applications are chosen by a panel of two local volunteers, two Upper Lachlan Council nominees and a Biala wind farm representative.
The inaugural grant will go to the Grabben Gullen community after an application endorsed by Grabben Gullen Recreation and Land Manager Committee, Grabben Gullen Progress Association and the Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Brigade was successful.
Improvements will be be made to the RFS Hall including:
- A new water tank plus fast fill standpipe to aid firefighting efforts
- Relocated entry/exit point for vehicles to improve road safety
- New storage facility to free up hall space
Grabben Gullen Recreation and Land Manager Committee President Gina Hill said she was proud of the way the community had worked together on the application.
"The last couple of years with the pandemic have been tough for community groups so this is great news for us," she said.
"We can't wait to get stuck in and get this project moving.
"Another very positive aspect of this application is the way the three local groups worked together to make sure the benefits are shared.
"We also plan to use local contractors for all the work, so this is a win for small businesses in the area as well."
Wind farm owner BJCE Australia also expressed gratitude for the way the community has worked with the company over the years.
"We were very pleased to see some excellent applications to the fund and particularly pleased that the closest neighbouring community to the wind farm is in line to benefit first," Deputy Managing Director Derek Powell said.
"We are also very grateful for the efforts of the volunteer committee members who took the time to study the submissions and agree on this recommendation.
"We look forward to seeing this project take shape and hearing about more exciting ideas and initiatives in the coming years."
More information on the fund, including a map showing the eligible radius, can be found at bialawindfarm.com
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