RPS supports EnergyCo to engage with REZ communities on community benefits program

The Central West Orana region of New South Wales has a vital role to play in Australia’s energy transition. Identified as one of five REZs to be developed across the state, the area will host clean energy infrastructure that will power more than 1.4 million homes.

As the agency responsible for leading the delivery of REZ projects, EnergyCo is working to ensure communities receive long-term, tangible benefits from hosting renewable energy infrastructure. The new Community and Employment Benefit Program for the Central-West Orana REZ is proof of this.

Under the first tranche of funding, EnergyCo will administer more than $70 million via four grant streams opened to local community groups, councils, and Aboriginal organisations in the Central-West Orana REZ. Applications for funding under the four streams officially opened today.

RPS’ communications and engagement team has been supporting EnergyCo to engage with locals to inform the Program’s design since late-2023. Communications and Engagement Director, Anissa Baiquni said it’s a fantastic milestone after months of engagement on how funding should be directed.

“While introducing a community benefits scheme is always a good thing, designing one isn’t one-size-fits-all. EnergyCo wanted to hear from Central-West Orana communities, and ask vital questions – where should this funding be directed? What initiatives best align with local wants and needs?” she said.

“It’s been a privilege for RPS to help facilitate these conversations through 14 consultation sessions held during the Program’s design phase. Locals were able to have their say on what benefits should be provided to their community, and how they would like to see Program funding spent (download a report with the findings here). Now that grant submissions are open, this feedback will also directly inform how applications are evaluated and prioritised.

“To adopt a design approach for the Program that was truly informed by the community is a testament to EnergyCo’s commitment to engagement, and implementing feedback from the regions that will power the state's energy transition. And now comes the exciting bit – seeing what kind of grant submissions come in from Central-West Orana communities!” said Anissa.

While the Central-West Orana REZ is the focus of the Community and Employment Benefit Program launched today, the Program will eventually extend to other renewable energy zones. Hundreds of millions of dollars of funding will become available in REZs over the next 30 years, leaving a lasting legacy for the communities that will host New South Wales’ renewable energy future.

Need support engaging with stakeholders on your next project? Get in touch with our communications and community engagement team.