The project

Aquila Wind involves the proposed development of a wind project located near Mount Aquila, south-east of the township of Stuart Town, in Dubbo Regional Council.

The site’s terrain made up of steep arid hills and rolling ridge lines allows for wind turbines to be installed alongside current livestock grazing, maintaining the region’s close agricultural connection with the land while also generating clean renewable energy. Key components of the project include underground electricity cabling connecting turbines to an electricity substation and high voltage transmission line that will connect  to the National Electricity Market (NEM).

 

Project assessment process
The project is being assessed as a State Significant Development of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is the responsible state planning authority for the project. A range of assessments and site surveys are being undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

At a glance

  • Employ and buy
    local
    commitment
  • Shared benefits through
    community
    investment
  • Up to
    300MW
    installed capacity
  • Up to
    350
    jobs during peak construction
  • Up to
    50
    operational jobs

CENTRAL WEST ORANA REGION

ACEN Australia is committed to the Central-West Orana region for decades to come. Learn more about the NSW Government's Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.

Community

Built on a foundation of trust and shared value, we seek to develop relationships with communities that create enduring and positive impact. Here are some of the things we are doing and have proposed to implement for the Aquila Wind project following project approval.

  • ACEN Australia Social Investment Program (SIP) available to the Stuart Town community and surrounds, from now and into construction of the project.
  • Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Dubbo Regional Council, commencing at construction of the project through the end of the project life. Likely to consist of a payment to the equivalent of 1.5% of the project’s capital expenditure to Council for the purpose of delivering and facilitating community projects and infrastructure
  • Through the payment of Access Fees allowing connection into to the Central-West Orana REZ infrastructure, ACEN will make significant financial contributions to the NSW Government to be directly invested into communities within the CWOREZ
  • Neighbour agreements so that eligible properties receive a direct benefit
  • Commitment to responsibly decommission all project infrastructure at the end of project life
  • Commitment to prioritise the participation of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)  to deliver goods and services
  • Commitment to product stewardship through environmental and social procurement that encourage circular economy outcomes
  • Carefully consider suitable accommodation solutions for the project construction workforce so as not to negatively impact on housing availability and affordability
  • Commitment to First Nations participation through areas such as contracting, employment, training and business innovation
  • Commitment to Learning Worker participation through areas such as traineeships and apprenticeships
  • Commitment to using local content for construction materials from Australia or New Zealand
Social Investment Program 

ACEN Australia Social Investment Program (SIP) available to the Stuart Town community and surrounds. This is ACEN Australia’s voluntary contribution available now and into construction of the project. Funding is available to not-for profit organisations and activities that directly benefit and enhance the liveability and vibrancy of the community

First Nations participation

As a company seeking to harness wind, solar and water resources for energy today, we reflect on the contributions made by First Nations over thousands of years. We recognise the value of a better understanding of Aboriginal history and culture, and commit to meaningful participation with First Nations groups to support the protection of country, culture, and the development of their aspirations.

Jobs and business

We have a commitment to employ and buy locally where we can so we can keep the benefits local. With such a significant construction investment, it is anticipated that there will be many opportunities for regional businesses to be involved. Goods and services likely to be procured locally include:

Central -West Orana community impacts and benefits

We are planning several projects in the NSW Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ) in the coming years and we are working with stakeholders and communities to balance the impacts and opportunities that a growing renewable energy industry can bring. We want to maximise local employment and business opportunities and deliver the most appropriate accommodation solutions for our workforces. Our preference and priority is to employ locally first, however current skills and labour shortages are a considerable barrier in achieving this.

DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE

We know the importance of early engagement with communities and stakeholders and are guided by industry and global standards.

Project updates

 

Update

Aquila Wind Scoping Report Submitted

We have submitted our Scoping Report. The Report provides: – A description of the Project; – An analysis of feasible alternatives considered having regard to…

Update

ACEN Australia Leadership Changes

After six and half years as Co-founder and CEO, Anton Rohner will be moving on from the role as CEO of ACEN Australia. While Anton…

Update

Project plan

As we are in the early planning stages of Aquila Wind, there are a number of social and technical assessments that may change our proposed…

Contact

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Email
info@aquilawind.com.au

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1800 434 094

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