Sunny Corner Wind Farm introduces new Accelerated Payment option

Someva Renewables and Mainstream Renewable Power, the renewable energy companies jointly awarded a permit to investigate a wind farm at Sunny Corner State Forest, have today announced a new Accelerated Payment option as part of their Near Neighbour Program.

The Sunny Corner Wind Farm Near Neighbour Program, which is open until 28 February 2026, will now offer eligible residents the opportunity to receive accelerated annual payments via a new 15-year payment option. The current ‘Core Payment’ option – where participants receive annual payments across the 32-year operational life of the project is also still available.

The new 15-year option has been designed to deliver more immediate financial returns over a shorter period and has been calculated to ensure all Near Neighbour Program participants (both those choosing a 15-year or a 32-year payment option) end up with the same value from the Near Neighbour Program. Payments under both options will begin once construction commences.

The new Accelerated Payment option was developed in response to community feedback that some near neighbours wanted to receive financial benefits in a more condensed timeframe. This approach provides additional flexibility while maintaining the fairness and integrity of the Program.

Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva Renewables, said the offer is about ensuring financial benefits are shared in a way that suits neighbours.“From the outset of this project we have been committed to a genuine co-design process with the local community, and the development of the new Accelerated Payment option in the Near Neighbour Program is a demonstration of that commitment.”

“We’ve heard from some near neighbours that they would like more time to consider the Near Neighbour Program, and from others that they’d prefer to receive payments over a shorter period of time. The new Accelerated Payment option responds directly to this feedback, providing flexibility and more immediate financial benefits to those neighbours who would like it, while maintaining fairness across the Program,” said Mr Chivers.

Greg Politakis, Country Manager for Mainstream Renewable Power said: “The changes we’ve made to the Near Neighbour Program are all about giving eligible residents more flexibility to choose a payment structure that suits their family’s needs, while extending the timeframe ensures everyone has the opportunity to participate.”

“Our goal is to continue listening and working closely with the community to design a project that delivers long-term prosperity for neighbours, locals and the broader region,” said Mr Politakis.

To find out more about the Sunny Corner Wind Farm Near Neighbour Program payment options head to: sunnycornerwindfarm.com.au/neighbour.

About the Sunny Corner Wind Farm Near Neighbour Program

The Sunny Corner Wind Farm Near Neighbour Program is open to eligible residents in Sunny Corner, Dark Corner, Yetholme and Meadow Flat, and on rural properties within 2.5km of a proposed turbine, as outlined in the Scoping Report Preliminary layout. Payments are scaled based on proximity and visual amenity and are available either through 15-year or 32-year payment options. Each option is designed to ensure every participant receives the same value from the Near Neighbour Program. Eligible neighbours can participate in the program without signing a non-disclosure agreement or being subject to any confidentiality requirements. Participation does not restrict future property development (such as building a shed or other structures) or the ability to sell the property.

To participate in the Sunny Corner Wind Farm Near Neighbour Program, eligible neighbours need to sign a Neighbour Benefits Sharing Deed by 5pm on 28 February 2026. 

Background on the proposed Sunny Corner Wind Farm

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 encouraging eligible neighbours to sign up to the Near Neighbour Program by 28 February 2026, and ongoing community consultation 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.

You can also follow the Sunny Corner Wind Farm on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SunnyCornerWindFarm

For more information please contact:

Chris Williams on 0480 386 879 or email chris@kaizenco.au