Deadline: 29-May-2026
The Collector Wind Farm Community Fund 2026 is part of a broader Community Enhancement Program designed to ensure that local communities benefit directly from the presence of the wind farm. It supports practical, community-driven projects that address local needs and improve access to services and facilities.
The fund emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term impact within nearby communities.
Objectives of the Fund
The primary objectives of the fund include:
- Enhancing community wellbeing and quality of life
- Supporting local infrastructure and facility improvements
- Funding new or expanded community programs
- Improving access to essential services and resources
- Strengthening social cohesion in surrounding communities
- Ensuring equitable distribution of wind farm benefits
Key Areas of Funding Support
The fund provides financial assistance for:
- Purchase of community equipment
- Construction of community facilities
- Renovation and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure
- Development of new community programs
- Special initiatives benefiting local residents
These activities must demonstrate clear community value and practical impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Funding is available to:
- Incorporated organisations
- Not-for-profit organisations
Applicants must:
- Operate within or serve communities located within 10km of the wind farm
- Be located in the Upper Lachlan Local Government Area
- Demonstrate direct community benefit
- Show alignment with local needs and priorities
Eligible Project Requirements
Projects must:
- Clearly improve quality of life, safety, or service access
- Demonstrate measurable community benefit
- Avoid duplication of existing services or infrastructure
- Provide long-term or sustainable impact
- Be clearly defined and feasible in scope
Funding Priorities
The program prioritizes projects that:
- Deliver lasting benefits to local residents
- Address specific community needs
- Strengthen local infrastructure and services
- Promote inclusive community development
- Demonstrate strong value for funding provided
Exclusions and Limitations
The fund does not support:
- General sponsorship requests
- Routine operational or running costs
- Projects without clear community benefit
- Activities duplicating existing services or facilities
Application and Selection Process
Applications are assessed through a structured annual process:
- Submission of project proposals
- Review based on eligibility and community impact
- Evaluation of project viability and funding needs
- Committee review and selection process
- Final endorsement by relevant authorities
Selection is competitive and based on demonstrated community value.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed using the following criteria:
- Community benefit and impact
- Alignment with local needs
- Project feasibility and planning quality
- Level of funding required and justification
- Sustainability and long-term outcomes
Accountability and Compliance
Successful applicants must:
- Comply with all relevant project and safety standards
- Meet funding conditions and reporting requirements
- Ensure transparent and accountable use of funds
- Deliver projects as approved in the application
Expected Outcomes
The fund aims to achieve:
- Improved community infrastructure and facilities
- Enhanced quality of life for local residents
- Better access to services and programs
- Stronger community engagement and cohesion
- Sustainable and measurable local development outcomes
Why This Fund Matters
The Collector Wind Farm Community Fund is important because it:
- Directly reinvests infrastructure benefits into local communities
- Supports grassroots, community-led development
- Addresses practical local needs and gaps
- Strengthens long-term regional wellbeing
- Encourages sustainable and inclusive development
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Collector Wind Farm Community Fund 2026?
- It is a funding program that supports community-led projects within 10km of the wind farm to improve local wellbeing and quality of life.
- Who can apply for funding?
- Incorporated organisations and not-for-profit groups operating within the eligible geographic area.
- What types of projects are funded?
- Community infrastructure, facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and new community programs.
- What projects are not eligible?
- General sponsorships, operational costs, and projects that duplicate existing services.
- How are applications assessed?
- Based on community benefit, project feasibility, local need, and funding justification.
- Where must projects be located?
- Within 10km of the Collector Wind Farm in the Upper Lachlan Local Government Area.
- What is the main goal of the fund?
- To ensure wind farm benefits are shared with nearby communities through meaningful local development projects.
Conclusion
The Collector Wind Farm Community Fund 2026 supports practical, community-driven initiatives that enhance wellbeing and infrastructure in nearby areas. By prioritizing measurable impact, local relevance, and long-term benefits, the program ensures that renewable energy development contributes directly to sustainable community growth.
For more information, visit Upper Lachlan Shire Council.