Community Benefits
We are committed to giving back to the regions that host our renewable energy projects with meaningful benefit sharing programs designed for the community, by the community.
Community Consultative Committee
As the project moves to submit its Planning Application, RES invites Expressions of Interest from community members to participate in a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) for the project. Once the project has been approved, the CCC will represent community and work with the Project Team to facilitate open communication and structured discussion about the next phase of development, construction and early operations of the project, including possible wider benefit sharing opportunities. A draft Terms of Reference for the CCC is available here.
To provide feedback on benefit sharing programs and express interest in participating in the CCC please complete the survey below.
Benefits sharing and sponsorships
A community benefit sharing program will be established to share a portion of revenue from the Watta Wella Renewable Energy Project with the surrounding communities. The program, which would commence during Project construction, will provide positive and lasting benefits to the local community that extend beyond the life of the project.
Where possible, RES also sponsors local community groups, clubs and projects. We are currently on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities in the local area. If you are seeking sponsorship and your organisation is located in the surrounding area please get in touch.
Neighbour Benefit Program
Neighbour Shared Benefit Schemes (SBS) are one of the ways that RES ensures long-term local benefits are delivered from the renewable energy transition to regional Australia.
Established at a project level, Neighbour Shared Benefit Schemes provide a framework for making direct annual payments to neighbours of a RES renewable energy project based on the eligibility of their property. Owners of qualifying properties may be eligible to receive annual benefit payment, starting from the construction of the project and running throughout its operating life.
Employment
The project will generate over 200 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs during its approximately 32-month construction period.
The project will support approximately 10 FTE positions during operations and maintenance of the facility. Based on the project site, these residential roles are anticipated to exist for the operational life of the project (30 years). The operational period is also expected to create further supply chain employment.
First Nations Engagement
The transition to renewable energy must occur fairly for First Nations people and their communities.
RES has established a Reconciliation Action Plan and adopts best practice engagement with First Nations communities.
We believe in creating positive and enduring social and economic legacies.
Recognising the long-term impact of our projects, we strive to ensure community satisfaction. Through collaboration, we aim to bolster resilience against climate shifts and support local innovation and manufacturing.
The RES team regularly hold events in the surrounding areas of the Project. These events provide the opportunity to ask questions, and to learn about the Project in greater detail. Updates will be issued on the website following the events.