We consider social impact and community engagement a top priority and develop bespoke and innovative community benefit programs for local communities where we operate. We know that no two communities are the same, so for each project we work with the community to create a unique engagement and benefits program that shares the value of the project throughout the local area, in a way that really matters.
Since commencing our Australian operations in 2002, ACCIONA Energía has contributed more than $4.1 million to our communities through a combination of sponsorship, scholarship funding, and other community benefit initiatives.
As part of ACCIONA Energia's commitment to creating lasting value in communities where we operate, ACCIONA Energia has partnered with Queensland Farmers' Federation (QFF) to deliver the Energy Southern Queensland (EnergySQ) program, a practical initiative helping farmers in regional Queensland understand and optimise their energy consumption while reducing carbon emissions.
Through individual assessments, farmers receive expert guidance on reducing energy costs and improving efficiency, while contributing to broader sustainability goals. This partnership demonstrates how the benefits of the MacIntyre Wind Farm extend beyond renewable energy generation to deliver practical, on-the-ground support for the agricultural sector, a foundation for these communities.
ACCIONA invites small grants applications from community groups who wish to contribute to the sustainable development of the communities in which we operate. The nature of the sponsorship program is based on a combination of factors, including the size of the project, and is determined in consultation with the community. Applications are open from January to March annually.
ACCIONA implements an annual Scholarship Program at our sites when they enter the operations phase. Each year, we are proud to provide one-time scholarships of $5,000 to students wishing to undertake tertiary study that will benefit their community. Scholarship recipients are selected through an application process, and preference will be given to those studying engineering, science, or agricultural-based courses. Applications are open from February to March annually.
The Neighbourhood Benefit Program is open to eligible residents close to the Mortlake South Wind Farm. It involves a pre-loaded EFTPOS card, where the funds loaded onto the card are able to be spent on goods and services from participating local businesses. Residents that permanently reside in a dwelling located within 4km of the Mortlake South Wind Farm are invited to apply.
The Neighbourhood Benefit Program re-opens each year in June. Please note that if you have previously registered for the program, there is no requirement to re-apply, cards will be posted to you automatically.
Social Impact Assessments are a key tool for measuring and improving the environment and communities with which we assess impacts.
ACCIONA has its own methodology for identifying, assessing and managing all impacts of our projects.