Community Benefit Funds

COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDS

If the two proposed solar farms, Merino and Gundary, go ahead, the NSW Government requires tham to donate a minimum amount of cash into the communities where they are built. This must be index-linked and for the whole life of the project. This means at least $720,000 per annum.

MERINO SOLAR FARM (www.edp.com)

Size: 450 MW capacity with an associated 450 MW/1800 MWh Battery Energy Storage System

Operator: EDP

EDP are asking if you have any ideas on what initiatives would benefit the Tirrannaville and Goulburn Communities, please to email them at merino@edp.com

GUNDARY SOLAR (www.lightsourcebp.com)

Size: 400MW with battery storage system, which will power the equivalent of 133,000 homes

Operator: Lightsourcebp

SUGGESTIONS FOR WAYS TO USE THE FUNDS

The following are suggestions that have already been made by members of the public – we would love to hear from you if you have any other suggestions and we will submit them to Council at the appropriate time. (info@goulburngroup.com.au)

Alternatively, please write or email the Council with your suggestions.

- scholarships and grants for students to study appropriate subjects

- grants to the arts such as the Blues Festival

- grants for sporting groups

- lower electricity bills for local residents

- support for environmental projects

- community projects such as the rail trial

- drop-in centre for young people

If you have a question about solar farms in general, please follow this link to our FAQ page