Warrumbungle Shire Council is pleased have multiple local projects awarded funding which was announced by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe and Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty on Friday 11 April.

With $45 million allocated to communities across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Warrumbungle Shire, who is receiving just over $11 million, is one of four Councils receiving funding for projects that will deliver infrastructure, housing and a range of community projects for the residents of these areas.

Key projects confirmed for the Warrumbungle Shire include:

• • Dunedoo Sewerage treatment plant upgrades and refurbishment – to provide residents with access to a sustainable sewerage scheme, while improving water quality from the Talbragar river as well as reducing environmental contamination by reducing contaminant risk and odour.

• • Dunedoo Water supply scheme groundwater source exploration and new borehole infrastructure augmentation for water quality improvement.

• • Coolah water supply scheme groundwater source exploration and new borehole augmentation for water quality improvement.

• • Dunedoo Sullivan Street Independent living project to provide much needed assisted living housing.

• • Coolah sewerage treatment plant remediation, flood protection works and establishment of new off-site treated effluent storage.

Dunedoo sewerage plant - Image courtesy NSW Government.

Warrumbungle Shire will also be working to help facilitate upgrades to Bowen Oval, providing key community infrastructure in Coolah’s McMaster Park and upgrading existing play equipment and adding a sensory garden to Milling Park in Dunedoo.

“These grants are about making sure regional communities at the heart of the renewable energy transformation share in its benefits. We’ve been talking with community groups about their priorities and it’s wonderful to see a wide variety of projects receive funding,” said Minister Penny Sharpe.

“Whether it's better facilities, new skills or upgraded infrastructure, these grants will deliver real, lasting improvements for people across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe - Image NSW Labor. Photo credit:CassandraHannagan-21_84_

Mayor Kathryn Rindfleish welcomed the funding opportunity for not only Warrumbungle Shire, with Dubbo, Dunedoo, Gilgandra, Gulgong, Mudgee and Wellington also benefitting.

“It is fantastic that EnergyCo has now committed to funding going to projects put forward by the community and is rolling it out in the region hosting renewable energy projects,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Kathryn Rindfleish.

“This funding will enhance the quality of life, ensure that our environmental risks are lowered and keep our communities thriving. We are excited to get started and deliver these upgrades for our community,” Councillor Rindfleish said.

“This investment is a game-changer for local infrastructure in regional NSW, and the future prosperity of communities which will host the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone,” said Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.

Warrumbungle Shire Mayor Kathryn Rindfleish - Image Western Plains App.

Renewable Energy Zones will group new wind and solar power generation into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW.

As coal-fired power stations retire, five zones have been established, with the government’s aim to keep NSW in electricity.

Map of Renewable Energy Zones - Image courtesy EnergyCo.

“REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills via increased competition, while supporting local jobs and business opportunities during construction and operation,” said a government spokesman.

But not everyone is happy about this, with one local resident saying it is simply a trade-off for what the government is going to do with the establishment of the Renewable Energy Zone.

“Many of us have concerns about the direct impact this new project will have on our communities,” said a Coonabarabran shire resident.

“Damage to our local roads with the increased traffic, damage to environment and communities etc, and while it is fantastic to receive funding for different projects it just reeks of trying to smooth the waters."

This is the first round of grants under the Government’s initial $128 million Community and Employment Benefit Program which is being delivered as the Central-West Orana REZ is rolled out.

Due to overwhelming community interest and quality applications, the round will be extended, and more projects will be announced.