Uralla Grants is back! $5,000 grants for community projects or events now available
Community events or projects across the Uralla region will get a big boost with the help of $5,000 in funding from the Uralla Grants Program.
The latest round of funding was announced this week, with community groups, businesses or individuals encouraged to apply.
Uralla Grants is funded by ACEN Renewables Australia, the developers of the 720 megawatt New England Solar and Battery Project. A total of $50,000 is available in the latest funding round.
Applications for funding are open until October 21, with a wide variety of projects being targeted to help share the benefits from the solar farm across the region.
Construction on the New England Solar Farm is well underway, with solar panels, substation works and electrical fit outs all progressing across the renewable energy site.
The project is Australia’s largest hybrid solar and battery energy storage facility under construction and is currently employing around 400 people and will employ up to a dozen people during operations.
New England Solar Project Director Tim Greenaway said it was exciting to see the number and variety of projects supported via the first two rounds of funding under the program.
“The program was designed to share the benefits from the solar farm across the community,” Mr Greenaway said.
“Schools, sporting groups, environment and greening projects, cultural and historical programs and popular local events have already been given a boost from the Uralla Grants program.
“We’ve been extremely happy with the range and number of community focused projects that received our help. We’re looking forward to seeing even more projects or events put forward.”
Individuals or organisations located in Uralla Shire and parts of Dangarsleigh and Kellys Plains are eligible to apply for funding.
The Uralla Grants program is part of the Community Benefit Sharing Initiative, which was set up during the planning process for the New England Solar project.
Members of a local Community Reference Group helped design the grants program and will oversee the final selection of successful applications.
Applicants can apply for grants of up to $5,000 for their community project or event.
For more information or to apply go to www.newenglandsolar.com.au/urallagrants.
Media contact: Anthony O’Brien 0407 264 727