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 at Stubbo Solar.

• Voluntary Planning Agreement with Mid-Western Regional Council over the life of the project. Administered by Council for the purpose of delivering and facilitating community projects in Gulgong and surrounds.
• Social Investment Program (SIP) available to the Gulgong community. Administered by ACEN Australia throughout the construction period.
• 1.5% of project value commitment to First Nations participation delivered through contracting, employment, training and business innovation
• 20% of project working hours commitment to Learning Worker participation to be delivered through traineeships and apprenticeships
• 39% of project value target local content for construction materials from Australia or New Zealand
• Commitment to prioritise the participation of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)  to deliver goods and services
• Neighbour agreements so that eligible properties within 5km to project infrastructure receive a direct benefit
• Solar panel rows and heights designed so that grazing can co-exist once the project is operational
• Upgrades to Blue Springs Road, Gulgong
• Commitment to product stewardship through environmental and social procurement that encourage circular economy outcomes
• Addressing housing affordability and availability through an adaptive management plan with Mid-Western Regional Council for worker accommodation

Voluntary Planning Agreement

A Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for Stubbo Solar is in place with Mid-Western Regional Council for the life of the project. Consisting of a $100,000 to be paid during the construction period, and an annual payment of $300 per megawatt installed (~$120,000 per year),  this funding is administered by Council for the purpose of delivering and facilitating community projects in Gulgong and or within 25km of Stubbo Solar. For more information, read the VPA below or contact Mid-Western Regional Council.

Social Investment Program 

ACEN Australia’s Social Investment Program (SIP) is our voluntary contribution to Gulgong.  Totalling $200,000 throughout the construction period,  funding is available to not-for profit organisations and activities that directly benefit and enhance the liveability and vibrancy of the Gulgong community.

The expected peak construction workforce for Stubbo Solar is 400 and we have a workforce accommodation strategy with Mid Western Regional Council to limit the impact on regional housing availability and affordability while enabling the region’s thriving tourism industry to flourish.

ACEN Australia seeks to reduce the impact on short term stay accommodation in the Central West NSW region as part of the construction of Stubbo Solar. If you have a property available for rent, we would be be interested in hearing from you. Please register your details and they will be provided to our contracting partners.

Jobs and business

A commitment is in place to prioritise the participation of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to deliver goods and services for the construction of Stubbo Solar, and to employ locally where possible. This commitment is embedded into the project delivery model with EPC contracting partner PCL Constructions.

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.

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.