Community Benefits
Community Benefit-sharing Program
Neoen is committed to sharing benefits with local communities living near its renewable energy projects. Our annual contributions towards community benefit-sharing in Australia exceeds $0.5 million.
We have made and annual commitment of $250,000 towards the Goyder South Stage 1 community benefit-sharing program. Additional funding will be allocated to this program when the Goyder North project progresses.
With the wind farm starting operations in 2025, this funding is being distributed to the Goyder communities through the following model. It will be available to support local initiatives for the lifetime of our wind farm i.e., the next 30 years.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND (Annual)
$100,000 p.a till 2027, $80,000 p.a. afterwards. An open and competitive grants process to sponsor smaller initiatives
Major Projects Fund (Every 3 Years)
~$400,000 starting 2027. Funding for multi-year projects to support long-term development in the region
Future fund (annual)
Remaining contributions growing across the next ~30yrs. Investing in a trust to fund the benefit-sharing program beyond the project's lifetime
Community Benefit Fund
Neoen has partnered with the Community Enterprise Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, to help deliver the Community Benefit Fund.
Applications can be submitted on an online portal managed by the Foundation, but a Local Advisory Committee will review & award funding to eligible projects. Established in May 2025, this committee comprises of one Neoen representative, two nominees from the Goyder Regional Council & four community members selected from an open & competitive application round.
Contact the Community Enterprise Foundation on 1300 304 541 during business hours or email for any questions regarding the application process.
The committee will award grants that demonstrate meaningful benefits to the Goyder region in any of the following growth areas:
ARTS, CULTURE & EVENTS
Fostering creativity and connection in the community through art, culture & community events.
Energy efficiency & ENVIRONMENT
We could provide grants to make rooftop solar and batteries more affordable for community centres or for local conservation initiatives.
DISASTER RELIEF & EMERGENCY SERVICES
We can support communities impacted by natural disasters near our project site or to local emergency services groups.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Addressing local skills development and adding value to educational opportunities
FIRST NATIONS INITIATIVES
We can allocate funds to local First Nations community for heritage conservation and self determined initiatives.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Contributing to improved health and wellbeing outcomes in regional communities
Major projects fund
Growth Areas
CULTURE & heritage
EDUCATION & TRAINING
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
If you would like to propose a ‘major project’ under one of these growth areas, please get in touch via the contact us page.
Outcomes
The Goyder Renewables Zone will bring a range of benefits to surrounding communities.
Watch this video to see the benefits another Neoen project brought to the people residing in Wunghnu, Numurkah in regional Victoria.
ARTWORK
Neoen, under its Sustainability Framework, has a commitment to create an artwork on all its projects with a capacity of over 50 MW. The artwork aims to celebrate renewable energy and local culture.
The Goyder Renewables Zone will also deliver an artwork commitment. Here is an example of an artwork design painted on a wind turbine at another Neoen project in Far North Queensland.
Artwork Design: Jirrbal Country by Wanirr Godden & Teho Ropeyarn
We are thrilled to have Neoen as sponsors for our beloved Copper & Stone music festival. Their ongoing contributions allow us to continue to bring great artists to Burra and celebrate together as a community
David Stevenson, CEO
