AGL Energy and Someva Renewables have announced tens of millions in funding for the Hay Shire and Edward River Councils regions if the proposed Pottinger Energy Park proceeds. 

The funding was announced during a community event in Booroorban last Thursday.

The bulk of the funding will be delivered via two voluntary planning agreements between Someva, AGL Energy and the two councils. 

Under the proposed agreements, funding will be delivered to both Hay Shire Council and Edward River Council throughout the 30-year life of the proposed project. 

AGL and Someva also announced the creation of a dedicated First Nations Fund which would support First Nations initiatives in the region. 

The funding, which is contingent on the 1.2-gigawatt (GW) project receiving approval from the NSW Government and reaching final investment decision, will go towards local community development, economic diversification and infrastructure projects. 

In addition to the investment with local councils and the First Nations Fund, representatives from AGL Energy and Someva Renewables also announced further funding partnerships with a number of local First Nations and community organisations. 

Under the agreements, Giz A Break, Hay Inc and Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council will share in $115,000 in funding to be delivered if the Pottinger Energy Park proceeds through the NSW Government’s renewable energy development process, expected later this year. 

Someva Renewables Managing Director Jamie Chivers said last week’s announcements come after two years of collaboration with the local community and demonstrates the long-lasting benefits the Pottinger Energy Park aims to bring to the Riverina region. 

“Someva is excited to announce these funding partnerships as we believe it is critical the local community shares in the economic and social benefits that the Pottinger Energy Park could create. 

“Today’s announcement is another important milestone in the development of the Pottinger Energy Park and highlights the broad community support this project enjoys,” Mr Chivers said. 

“The funding aims to support the sustainability and prosperity of the region by boosting local youth employment and training, enhancing community resilience and improving local infrastructure. It also aims to protect country and First Nations cultural heritage, while improving employment and economic outcomes for First Nations people.”

AGL General Manager, Energy Hubs, Travis Hughes said if successful, the Pottinger Energy Park could be a landmark development for the Riverina region, bolstered by last week’s funding announcement. 

“We hope this funding will help with infrastructure, First Nations programs, and training and job opportunities for the local community,” Mr Hughes said.

“We are committed to working closely with communities across the Riverina to ensure this project not only brings renewable energy to the region, but also creates jobs and socio-economic development.” 

Hay Shire Mayor, Cr Carol Oataway said the Hay community supports the development of renewable energy in the region, recognising the opportunities and impacts that will be realised in the community. 

“We want to ensure that the clean energy transition happens with our community and not to us, ensuring the overall experience is positive. 

“We look forward to working with the clean energy industry to ensure the opportunity is maximised for the Hay community.” 

Edward River Mayor Cr Peta Betts said Edward River Council was united with Hay Shire Council in its support for renewable energy development. 

“The proposed Pottinger Energy Park promises to usher in a new era of sustainable prosperity for our community, with substantial funding poised to drive local development, economic growth, and infrastructure enhancement for the Edward River region,” Cr Betts added.

The Pottinger Energy Park project is located in the Hay Shire Council and Edward River Council regions. The project aims to generate up to 1.2 GW of wind and 300 megawatts (MW) of solar energy supported by a 500 MW/2000 MWh battery energy storage system – enough to power up to 830,000 average NSW homes. 

The project is located 60km south of Hay and 75km north of Deniliquin and is named after the local Pottinger family – one of the first families to install and maintain windmills in the region. 

Also attending the community event at Booroorban on Thursday was the granddaughter of Manning Pottinger who installed and maintained many of the windmills. 

Janice Barratt (nee Pottinger) and her husband Alan travelled from Melbourne for the event. They were joined by Phillip Rose who worked with Mr Pottinger, and his wife Dale from Conargo.

See all the pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 17 April 2024.