First Nations-led projects share $6m in Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone grants
Eight Aboriginal organisations across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone will share $6 million for projects ranging from housing and land rehabilitation to cultural heritage restoration and youth programs, as part of the NSW Government’s First Nations Fund.
Aboriginal organisations in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) have secured $6 million in funding to deliver community-led projects covering housing, cultural heritage, youth programs, and environmental restoration.
The grants come from the First Nations Fund, which directs benefits from renewable energy projects back into local Aboriginal communities.
Speaking in Dubbo, Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe announced the funding during The Gathering, an event that brought together Aboriginal organisations, government, renewable energy developers and community members to discuss the energy transition in the region.
“Renewable energy projects are delivering investment in local communities. This funding will help Aboriginal organisations support initiatives that reflect local needs and provide enduring benefits for the community,” Minister Sharpe said.
Eight projects will share the funds:
-
Dubbo Local Aboriginal Land Council – revitalisation of Talbragar Reserve.
-
Gilgandra Local Aboriginal Land Council – roof restorations for community housing and development of community spaces.
-
Oyster Tribe Aboriginal Corporation – Wiradjuri Aboriginal Youth Connection to Culture program.
-
Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council – housing for the Aboriginal community of Wellington, restoration of Nanima Village Old School for cultural use, and a tourism officer role.
-
Wiradjuri Wellington Aboriginal Town Common Aboriginal Corporation – restoration of two State Heritage Listed structures and land rehabilitation on the Town Common.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said the funding supports the NSW Government’s Closing the Gap priority on Aboriginal economic prosperity.
“By providing funding to regional Aboriginal communities we are continuing to work to Closing the Gap by creating jobs and boosting the local economy in these communities,” he said.
The program is part of the $128 million Community and Employment Benefit Program tied to the Central-West Orana REZ. In April, $60 million was awarded to 54 local projects in the region. Over the next three decades, further community funding will be generated through fees paid by renewable energy projects connecting to the REZ network.
The First Nations Fund will reopen for applications on 22 September with $4 million available. Eligible applicants include Local Aboriginal Land Councils and incorporated Aboriginal community organisations.
