The first round of Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants have been awarded to four community groups that will share in a combined $51,513.
The funding was awarded to deliver four projects, across two categories: Economic Development, Tourism Projects and Events and Community Projects and Events over $10,000, with one off and recurring funding available.
The successful groups were announced to the community at the November Council meeting, with the Berrybank Wind Farm Community and Stakeholder Engagement Officer Phil Beattie sharing an overview of each project.
In the Economic Development and Tourism Projects and Events category a grant of $10,000 was awarded to the Cressy and District History Group to deliver a mural on the Cressy Water Tower. Geelong Landcare Network was also awarded a grant of $1,540 to purchase a public address speaker box for use at public events.
In the Community Projects and Events category, Golden Plains Arts Inc were awarded $26,772 in grant funding to deliver the GP Arts Inc. Arts Trail. The funding will be phased with $15,402 to be delivered in the first year and $5,685 in the second year and again in the third year.
In the same category, The Teesdale Community Event Group were awarded a total of $13,200 to deliver the annual Teesdale Twilight Market and Carols. This funding will also be phased with $5,500 to be delivered in year one and $3,850 in the second and third year.
Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham thanked the Berrybank Wind Farm for the funding to support local events and projects in Golden Plains.
“Council is pleased to administer the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program which provides additional funding opportunities to support more fantastic events and projects in the Shire.
“I would like to congratulate the successful recipients of the first round of the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants program. We are so pleased to be able to support another contingent of exciting community projects through this program.”
Delivered in partnership with Berrybank Development Pty Ltd, the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program provides funding opportunities to support local events and projects in Golden Plains. Applications were open from 1 to 30 September, 2022.
The Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Committee, made of representatives of the Company, Golden Plains Shire Council and members of the community, provide advice on the criteria for awarding community grants, evaluate applications from the public and make recommendations to Council on which local projects to support.
The initial funding pool was $60,000, increasing to $120,000 annually once the Wind farm is fully operational. There will be a minimum of one round of application opportunities each year and funding will be made available over the next 15 years in cooperation with Berrybank Development Pty Ltd.