BENEFITS

We aim to contribute to host communities in ways that are of mutual benefit for the wind farm project and the community.

Community Benefits

Community benefit from a renewable energy project, such as a wind farm, can be delivered in a number of different forms including: 

  • Direct financial contributions (e.g. annual contribution to a Community Benefit Fund); and/or 

  • One-off contributions to specific local infrastructure projects (e.g. significant grant to a specific community project); and/or 

  • Construction of infrastructure that benefits the whole community (e.g. new telecommunications towers). 

In order to determine the most impactful community benefit for the North Williams Wind Farm, Lacour Energy will be ensuring that community benefit is a key part of community consultation. We will work to ensure that potential community benefit options are fit for purpose and, where possible, we will take the following steps:​ 

  • Run community information sessions and attend local community events to provide information about the wind farm and seek to understand the community's views and needs.​ 

  • Consult directly with the Local Council, both Councillors and staff, about the project and gain a good understanding of local issues and where the project might make a positive contribution. ​ 

  • Understand potential opportunities for local employment and local involvement in wind farm construction and operations.​ If you are a local business wanting to supply services to the project now, or during construction and operation, please register your interest and tell us what you do. 

  • Continuously consult through the project development, construction and operation phases to develop community-specific options that may deliver benefits to the community throughout the project's life. Noting that, over time, the needs of the community may evolve as may the potential opportunities associated with the wind farm. 

Lacour has established Community Benefit Funds in each of the projects it has developed. We will establish a Community Benefit Fund for the North Williams Wind Farm and we are committed to delivering overall community benefit in the order of $1,000 per MW of installed wind farm capacity in line with the Renewable Energy Community Benefit Framework of the Williams Shire Council. 

Please get in touch and tell us what benefits you would like to see a wind farm bring to your community. 

Employment Opportunities

The proposed project offers significant employment opportunities locally and regionally, during Construction and Operations. At its peak, the workforce involved in construction is expected to be at least 250 people.  Service providers, individuals and contractors can register their interest via the project website, and will be kept up to date on the latest opportunities. When the project proceeds, the principal contractor appointed to build this project will be required to ensure local businesses and individuals are given every opportunity to be involved in the project.  

During the 30 year operational period we expect that there will be 15-20 people employed on operating and maintaining the wind farm project.