Gunning Wind Farm

Community Engagement and Shared Benefits Program

ACCIONA is committed to improving the social and economic platform of the region and sharing the benefits of the project as widely and equitably as possible to deliver fair outcomes. 

The Gunning Wind Farm Shared Benefits Program will comprise several components:

• Community Benefit Fund
• Small Grants / Sponsorship Program
• Education / Scholarship Program

Community Benefit Fund

The Community Benefit Fund supports services, events and projects which directly benefit the communities in the vicinity of the Gunning Wind Farm. Through this program ACCIONA aims to foster positive partnerships with the local community.  The Community Benefit Fund is supported by the Gunning Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Advisory Group.  The Group has been formed to:

• provide advice to ACCIONA on how to maximise the impact of projects for the community;
• promote the Community Benefit Fund within the community and encourage the community to participate in existing and new community projects that contribute to achieving longevity and sustainability; 
• represent the interests and preferences of the Gurrundah and surrounding communities, rather than those of individual stakeholders.

Projects which the Community Benefit Fund may support may include community events, improving community facilities, sporting events, disaster relief and arts and cultural initiatives or other projects that benefit the local community.

Small Grants / Sponsorship Program

Each year community organisations and not for profit groups will have the opportunity to apply for small grants through an application process.  $10,000 per annum will be available to support eligible community projects and events that meet ACCIONA’s eligibility requirements.  Applications are now open for the 2020 program.  To apply, click on the Application Form.

Education / Scholarship Program

Each year a scholarship of up to $5,000 will be awarded to a student enrolled to undertake study that will benefit the communities in which they live.  To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, students must reside in the Upper Lachlan Shire area,  and be enrolled to undertake further studies at TAFE or University. Selection of the successful candidate will be made according to academic merit, financial need and by addressing the required selection criteria. Preference will be given to those studying engineering, science, renewable energy or agricultural based courses.

To apply for the Scholarship program, please fill in electronic form here and email to AEO.sponsorship@acciona.com.au.

Current Status

Transmission line.

A new 132kV transmission line has been constructed to connect the wind farm to the existing 132kV Yass-Goulburn transmission line. Electricity is generated from turbines at 12kV and is then stepped up at a substation to 132kV to match the existing Yass-Goulburn voltage before connection can be made to the grid.

Cultural heritage.

Since construction of the Gunning Wind Farm was approved in 2004, ACCIONA has undertaken additional cultural heritage surveys of the site. Potentially significant sites were identified and were sub surface tested. Ten artefacts were identified. The transmission line was also surveyed. All artefacts were identified artefacts were salvaged and relocated in accordance with the Aboriginal Affairs Guidelines. No heritage sites were impacted by the wind farm.

The Gunning Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) outlines the incident response and notification process in the event of a pollution incident at Gunning Wind Farm. It has been prepared in accordance with the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act and Regulations.

• Pollution Incident Response Management Plan