Sunny Corner Wind Farm community benefits survey finds locals want environmental and community infrastructure investment prioritised
Someva Renewables (“Someva”) and Mainstream Renewable Power (“Mainstream”), the renewable energy companies jointly awarded a permit to investigate a wind farm at Sunny Corner State Forest, have released the findings of a survey on community investment priorities for the proposed project’s Community Benefits Fund and Neighbour Benefits Program.
The survey, which gathered 140 responses, shows respondents want investment from the proposed project’s Community Benefits Fund to focus on local fire management (42%), environmental protection (42%) and community infrastructure (38%) projects. When it comes to how the project could support the local business sector, respondents said investment in local infrastructure upgrades (48%), grants to spur innovation (39%) and local sponsorships (30%) would be highly valued.
The survey also asked respondents what financial and non-financial incentives could be provided to near neighbours. Respondents said annual cash payments (31%), grants to install solar or battery systems (28%) and electricity bill rebates (24%) would be most valued by near neighbours.
Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva Renewables, said community consultation underpins the design of the proposed project’s Community Benefits Fund and Neighbour Benefits Program.
“We want to thank the more than 700 community members we have engaged with face to face since the Forestry Corporation of NSW granted Someva and Mainstream an investigative permit for Sunny Corner State Forest in May 2024. We’ve also had nearly 400 locals respond to our two surveys, and their input is critical in helping to shape a truly tailored Neighbour Benefits Program and Community Benefits Fund,” said Mr Chivers.
“This project has the potential to support the prosperity of the region for decades to come, and community co-design and engagement are central to ensuring the financial and social benefits of the proposed Sunny Corner Wind Farm are shared and reflect community needs. Our team is incorporating these findings into the proposed project’s Community Benefits Fund and Neighbour Benefits Program – with the Neighbour Benefits Program expected to be released to near neighbours soon,” said Mr Chivers.
Greg Politakis, Country Manager from Mainstream Renewable Power said “If approved, the Sunny Corner Wind Farm’s Community Benefits Fund could deliver tens of millions of dollars of direct investment into the local community. The findings of this survey complement our engagement with the local community, local businesses, local councils, First Nations peoples and community organisations to ensure investment is targeted where it is needed most.”
“The community has sent us a clear message that upgrades to local roads and infrastructure, investment in fire management capabilities, support for environmental projects, partnerships with local businesses and financial incentives for near neighbours should all be prioritised as we progress through the investigative and approval processes,” said Mr Politakis.
In May 2024, Forestry Corporation of NSW announced Someva and Mainstream were awarded a permit to explore a wind farm in Sunny Corner State Forest. If approved, the wind farm will generate about 500MW of electricity – enough to power up to 300,000 homes with affordable, clean, and reliable energy for 30 years.
With technical assessments for the project’s Environmental Impact Statement continuing, next steps for the project include the release of the draft Neighbour Benefits Program and continued community engagement and co-design on the layout of the proposed wind farm.
The proposed project’s Environmental Impact Statement, which will include the final proposed design and layout of the wind farm, is expected to be on public exhibition in 2026.
Stay up to date on the investigation of Sunny Corner Wind Farm by visiting sunnycornerwindfarm.com.au or by emailing community@someva.com.au.
For media interviews with Someva Renewables’ Managing Director Jamie Chivers contact:
Chris Williams, 0480 386 879, chris@kaizenco.au