A new funding package will support community projects in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. The program will provide $6 million for upgrades across local towns.
The funding will improve public spaces used by families and young people. Projects include upgrades to a school, childcare centre, youth facility, sporting grounds, and community halls.
Thirteen local projects will receive support. The aim is to deliver long-term social and economic benefits as renewable energy projects expand across the region.
One project will support the creation of the first youth centre in Gulgong. The former Gulgong Fire Station will be renovated. The building will become a safe space for young people. The design includes a flexible activity area, a basketball half court, an art wall, and new flooring.
Several towns will see improvements to local facilities. The Dubbo Showground will receive new track lighting and arena lighting. The Dunedoo Preschool Kindergarten will receive landscaping upgrades and new play equipment. A disability support centre in Dubbo will also receive facility upgrades.
Community halls in Elong Elong and Turill will undergo renovation work. Turill Community Hall will receive new air-conditioning. A new disability care and accommodation building will also be developed at Lake Windamere.
Sport and recreation areas will benefit from the funding. The Billy Dunn Sporting Complex in Gulgong will receive improvements. Robertson Oval in Dunedoo will see upgrades to community sporting infrastructure.
Early childhood and youth services will also expand in the region. The Lady Gowrie early education centre in Mudgee will grow to support more families. Outdoor play areas for early childhood services will receive resurfacing and drainage improvements.
The program forms part of a larger $128 million community benefit fund connected to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. The funding comes from access fees paid by renewable energy projects that connect to the zone’s network infrastructure.
More community funding is expected over the next three decades. The program aims to support towns that host major renewable energy infrastructure.
Community groups led many of the project ideas. Local consultation helped shape the final list of projects. The upgrades aim to improve daily life in towns across the region.
Construction and renovation work will begin as projects move into the delivery stage. Residents will gain new spaces for sport, learning, art, and community gatherings.