Community Benefits
First Nations Engagement
Neoen is committed to working with and consulting the Traditional Owners on whose lands it builds and operates its projects. The Wiradjuri People are the Traditional Owners for the lands on which we are currently constructing the Culcairn Solar Farm.
As part of our engagement process during early works, Neoen worked with the Dyiraamalang Girbang Elders to develop a Cultural Induction Video explaining the significance of Country and preserving its cultural heritage. This video is part of our site induction process, ensuring that any jobseeker or supplier working on the solar farm is better informed and develops an appreciation of the land, the people who walked on it before them and anything they discover during construction.
We have also designed an Australian Industry Participation Plan for the solar farm in close collaboration with the different registered aboriginal parties (RAPs) and in accordance with the NSW Government’s planning requirements. This commits Neoen to a range of benefit-sharing measures and ambitious employment targets. Our team is currently delivering these plans with support from our local Indigenous Participation Officer, Ruth Davys.
COMMUNITY BENEFIt-sharing PROGRAM
We believe in sharing the benefits of renewable energies with the communities we operate in.
We expect to contribute $10 million to the communities over the life time of the project in a number of ways.
The Community Benefit-Sharing Program will provide significant, meaningful benefits to communities around the Culcairn Solar Farm.
CONSTRUCTION DISRUPTION PAYMENT
COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND
We will allocate $150,000 per year to support local community projects in different growth areas. This funding will be available through an open and competitive grants process.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
Growth Areas
ARTS, CULTURE & EVENTS
Fostering creativity and connection in the community through art, culture & community events.
Energy efficiency & ENVIRONMENT
We could provide grants to make rooftop solar and batteries more affordable for community centres or for local conservation initiatives.
DISASTER RELIEF & EMERGENCY SERVICES
We can support communities impacted by natural disasters near our project site or to local emergency services groups.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Addressing local skills development and adding value to educational opportunities
FIRST NATIONS INITIATIVES
We can allocate funds to local First Nations community for heritage conservation and self determined initiatives.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Contributing to improved health and wellbeing outcomes in regional communities
Artwork
Neoen, under its Sustainability Framework, has a commitment to create an artwork on all its projects with a capacity of over 50 MW. The artwork aims to celebrate renewable energy and local culture.
The Culcairn Solar Farm will also deliver an artwork commitment. Here is an example of an artwork design painted on a wind turbine at another Neoen project in Far North Queensland.
Artwork Design: Jirrbal Country by Wanirr Godden & Teho Ropeyarn
