A long-term vision for locals
16 June 2025
Across NSW, the development of renewable energy zones (REZs) is underway. A REZ is an area that groups together renewable energy projects - such as wind, solar generation and storage (like big batteries) - and connects to the electricity grid via a network of transmission lines, delivering energy to homes and businesses across the state.
There are five REZs across NSW: the Central-West Orana REZ, New England REZ, Hunter-Central Coast REZ, the Illawarra REZ and the South West REZ. The delivery of each REZ is led by EnergyCo.
REZs are the centrepiece of the NSW energy transition and at the heart of each REZ are the regional communities hosting this critical infrastructure.
To make sure these communities share the benefits of the renewable transition, the NSW Government is allocating millions of dollars to deliver community and employment benefits in the local areas where grid-scale renewable energy projects are being delivered.
EnergyCo’s Community and Employment Benefit Program is designed to deliver tangible, long-term benefits to people living and working in REZ regions by funding community-led initiatives, public infrastructure and First Nations projects. Energy projects that connect to the new transmission network pay access fees, which directly fund the program.
Residents of the Central-West Orana REZ have already begun to see the benefits of this program. In April 2025, $60 million in grants were awarded to 54 community organisations across the region to support projects including upgrades to key worker housing, critical water infrastructure, training programs, preschools, health services and more. These grants will also boost sport and cultural events and tourism, and upgrade halls and sports grounds that communities use to come together.
Ash Albury, Planning and Communities Executive Director at EnergyCo, says, “It’s not just about poles and wires — it’s about legacy. We're supporting locals, investing in skills, and making sure regional voices are central to this energy transition.”
Watch Ash explain more about the program:
Ash Albury: I'm Ashley I'm the executive director of planning communities with Energy Co. I've lived in Dubbo since 2003.
The infrastructure road map clearly sets out what we need to do as a state to secure energy. Renewable energy is an important pillar of the energy mix. It's just a vital part of the future of how we keep the lights on.
So what we've tried to do there is do it in a way that has as minimal impact as possible. We've tried to work with Farmers, the affected land owners, to try and deliver that. We've always tried to act the best we can, in good faith. And it brings tremendous opportunities both in terms of investment, jobs, it also brings opportunities around Community benefits and I'm really excited about where we're headed here.
We're now able to do the community benefits program. It's $128 million commitment of the government to really provide benefits back to the affected REZ area what it will bring is the opportunity to have quality infrastructure in place.
It'll also allow us to you know upgrade things, like have better sporting facilities, have better cultural facilities.
First Nations is a key focus of Energy Co and we wanted to make sure that we have a fund that is appropriate that will help First Nations not only get the benefits of the REZ but also improve outcomes for First Nations people across the region.
The community benefit fund's now open for everyone to apply. We will be running a series of workshops for the community to actually find out how you apply and what the process is.
We'll also have that information online, we'll also have a phone number that you
can connect to.
We will be working really hard to make sure that members of the community know about it.
I believe that the project is vital to our region's future prosperity.
I think there's so many opportunities here in terms of good investment in the regions that secure long-term and sustainable energy. This is a once in a generational opportunity.
Find out more
Learn more about EnergyCo's Community and Employment Benefit program.
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