NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway announced that Cabonne Shire Council would receive over $1.5 million to design, construct, and install a mid-scale solar and battery plant at Eugowra.
Minister Farraway stated that the grant will ensure that the council meet its 50% renewable energy target by 2030.
Minister Farraway added that the NSW Government has pledged to improve daily life through strategic infrastructure projects.
“Thanks to this grant, the Cabonne Shire Council can now construct and run a mid-sized solar and battery facility in Eugowra, bringing down energy expenses for council-owned buildings,” Minister Farrawy said.
The Minister added that the exciting development benefits the entire community and demonstrates the State Government’s consistent commitment to delivering projects that strengthen our communities and local economy.
Cabonne Shire Council Mayor Kevin Beatty said the solar and battery plant intends to create and promote regional jobs, stabilise the energy distribution network, and supply Cabonne Council and all Central NSW Joint Organisation Council with more power to fulfil their 50% renewable energy objective by 2030 or earlier.
“The project will fund electricity costs across all of Council’s 85 sites, which will result in lower hiring fees for community and sporting group accessing these facilities, and help to position the region as a leader in sustainability,” Cr Beatty stated.
According to Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole, since its establishment in 2012, Resources for Regions has delivered 355 projects totalling $560 million to mining towns, supporting local businesses and supplying crucial infrastructure.
Deputy Premier Toole said the Resources for Regions program aims to give back to mining areas that contribute significantly to the NSW economy.
“It’s absolutely crucial we continue to support regional mining towns that supply our State with the resources needed to keep the lights on and the economy moving forward, and this program is just another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to the future of our mining regions,” Deputy Premier Toole stated.
Resources for Regions has supported economic and social prosperity in mining communities in regional NSW since 2012, with the $140 million Round Nine funding expanded to include communities where gas exploration or mining may take place.
The $560 million Resources for Regions program is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is intended to support rising regional towns, engage local economies, and improve regional services and infrastructure.
