Supporting the local community is important to us and we are committed to
making sure the wind farm makes a positive contribution to the region.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement for us, means regular, genuine contact with local residents, regulators and interest groups. It means listening to feedback, and it means sharing clear information about what we do and our plans for the future.
The views of our community members are key to helping us operate our business in a responsible manner. We keep in touch with the community through a range of channels including our regular Community Liaison Group meetings.
We also support the local community through partnerships, sponsorships and our Community Grants Program.
Community Liaison Group
Community consultation lets us better understand local opinions, priorities and expectations. In 2017, we established a Community Reference Group, now called the Community Liaison Group (CLG). The CLG is for interested community members who want to gain greater access and insight into the wind farm operations and developments. Membership includes a broad cross section of local interests.
New members are welcome to the CLG.
We are calling for expressions of interest for community members to join the SHWF CLG. If you’re a member of the local community who wants to help ensure a positive community legacy from the wind farm, we encourage you to apply by completing the application form. You can read the CLG Terms of Reference here. Applications close July 29 2024 and the CLG is expected to convene for its first meeting mid-2024.
Community Grants Program
As part of its commitment to make a positive contribution to the local community, Stockyard Hill Wind Farm provides community funding to support locally-based initiatives that deliver positive and sustainable differences to the local community..
The program provides funding for local initiatives that aim to benefit the community in the areas of diversity, sustainability and environment, health and wellbeing and community participation.
Funding priorities
Community Diversity: Support for projects that encourage communities to connect and be inclusive of gender, cultures, age groups, nationalities and abilities. This includes events that celebrate culture and traditions, projects that aim to improve multicultural infrastructure, provide support for disadvantaged groups, achieve gender equality, or initiatives that seek to address social isolation and improve access and opportunity for everyone.
Sustainability and Environment: Support for projects that seek to build or enhance community sustainability or the local environment, in particular through the use of renewables, the reduction of waste or via protection of the environment. This includes solar panel installation, recycling at events, school education programs, community gardens and environmental preservation programs.
Health and Wellbeing: Support for projects that seek to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community. This may include physical or mental health programs, initiatives that aim to improve sports participation and access, sporting facility upgrades and education programs.
Community Participation and Pride: Support for projects that encourage greater community participation and/or seek to recognise and celebrate the unique attributes of the region. This includes community volunteering initiatives, playground / public space enhancements, community festivals and events and local heritage preservation.
The Community Grants program is currently under review and will be open for applications late 2024.
Employment
Stockyard Hill Wind Farm generates employment opportunities directly related to the operation of the wind farm and indirectly through increased demand for goods and services.
Local employment matters to us. We currently employ a team of 22 people at the wind farm, many of whom live in the local area. Our employees are a big part of the community – taking part in local groups, helping out with important causes and putting in the time to explain what the wind farm is about.
We also support the economic growth of the region by ensuring money we spend on services goes to local businesses where possible. We spend money locally on services such as printing, uniforms, signage and catering.
Enquire about working with us via our Contact Us page.
Community Enquiries & Complaints
Stockyard Hill Wind Farm follows a formal process for managing enquiries and complaints. To view our Procedure, please see here.
Have a question? Contact us to submit a query.