Communities across the New England are being asked to help decide how an initial $60 million in benefits from the region’s new energy infrastructure gets spent, with EnergyCo opening formal consultation on the New England Renewable Energy Zone’s legacy fund.
The consultation, running through July and August, includes an online survey, a webinar and community engagement sessions for residents, councils and First Nations groups across the region.
The funding sits under the Community and Employment Benefit Program, established under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap to ensure regions hosting new transmission lines and renewable generation share in the economic benefits.
The New England REZ is expected to create more than 6,000 full-time construction jobs and 2,000 ongoing operational jobs for the region, along with extra demand for workers in local manufacturing, retail and transport.
EnergyCo chief executive officer Hannah McCaughey said regional communities hosting the infrastructure would share directly in the financial benefits.
“Regional communities hosting renewable energy and transmission lines will share the financial benefits of this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” she said.
“The program will continue for many years after we’ve delivered our renewable energy zones. It will invest hundreds of millions of dollars into regional communities to ensure they receive lasting, transformational benefits.”
“We look forward to engaging with the New England communities to ensure the best outcomes for towns hosting new infrastructure, to help deliver a meaningful legacy.”
The $60 million is being brought forward so projects can start well before construction begins on the REZ itself, following the pattern set in the Central-West Orana REZ, where the same benefit scheme has funded key worker accommodation in Mudgee, water security work in the Warrumbungle Shire and early education services in Dunedoo, along with employment programs for young people, returning workers and those moving into renewable energy careers.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said the investment would flow well before New England projects come online.
“Renewable energy projects will deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for regional communities in New England and the Upper Hunter, and we’ve taken action to ensure investment will begin to flow well before projects come online,” she said.
“This initial $60 million for legacy benefits means communities can start seeing practical benefits early. And it’s just the start. There will be more investment, more local jobs, and significant work for local businesses.”
Details of upcoming information sessions and a link to the online survey are available at energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne-cebp.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage