Community
Genuine local community engagement
We believe generating low cost renewable energy is the key to powering communities
The wellbeing of the community is a core component of our work. Our approach to engaging with the local community is both genuine and lasting. We own our projects from development right through to operations. This gives us unrivalled experience through the entire project life and provides us with a deep-founded respect for people, communities and the environment.
We always welcome your contact and feedback should you have any questions or concerns about our projects, no matter what stage they’re in.
Giving back to the community
Annual committed community fund contributions
Annual sponsorships
Ecological research committed
Squadron Energy Approach
Community benefit sharing and sponsorships
We share the benefits of our projects by supporting communities over the long term. We do this through a range of opportunities such as community benefits funds, voluntary planning agreements, community sponsorship and grant initiatives.
We recognise that each community is different, and we aim to tailor benefits at each project and make positive lasting contribution to each region.
Each of our projects has a community sponsorship program, which provides funds or in-kind support to community organisations and events in the local project area.
Key areas for the program include:
- Education and training initiatives
- Community development programs
- Health and wellbeing
- Environmental initiatives
Applications are open for community sponsorship. Please contact the relevant Project Manager for the project in your local area for more information. Download and complete the Community Sponsorship Application and forward with any relevant documentation to info@cwprenewables.com
Community Sponsorship Guidelines & Application Form
Alternatively, you can complete and submit the form online via the link below.
Community Consultative Committee
The purpose of a community consultative committee (CCC) is to provide a forum for open discussion.
It is a space for us to speak with representatives from the community, the council and other stakeholders about specific matters relating to each project.
A CCC is included in every single one of our projects. The CCC follows the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Community Consultative Committee Guidelines for State Significant Projects.
Clean Energy Council Best Practice Charter
Squadron Energy is a signatory to the Clean Energy Council’s Community Engagement Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Developments. This involves a voluntary set of commitments that we will uphold when developing and operating our clean energy projects.
We work respectfully with the communities in which work, are sensitive to environmental and cultural values and aim to make a positive contribution to the regions in which we operate.
Squadron Energy in the Community
Rural Fire Service Fire Shed
Kings Plains Rural Fire Service (RFS) is one of the many community-operated volunteer rural fire stations in the New England region of NSW. The station, along with many of the volunteers, is a direct neighbour to the Sapphire Wind Farm.
The location of the fire shed, along with the extraordinary community spirit within the local area, has attributed to the great relationship that exists between the wind farm, the local community and the Kings Plains RFS.
As well as the day-to-day RFS activities that the fire shed accommodates, it is also used as a community facility to host events.
Sapphire Wind Farm has been fortunate to be able to work with the RFS on multiple occasions on tasks such as developing emergency response plans, training drills, controlled hazard reduction burns and, of course, the annual Christmas party.
The Kings Plains RFS has also previously received grant funding for a standalone solar system and security, installation of mobile phone boosters in trucks as well as a concreted area at the front of the fire shed.
Ilford State School visit Crudine
Ilford State School’s visit had been looked forward to by the students and teachers all of Term four. As a close neighbour to the Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, many of the students and teachers had seen the construction of the wind farm over the course of eight months.
Crudine Ridge Wind Farm’s Community Engagement Officer, Marie Hensley, and Operation’s Facility Manager, Brad Jachmann, presented to the junior and senior primary school classes. The children were keen to learn all about the wind farm and even the little ones were very engaged and asked lots of questions.
After the presentation, both groups got to go out into the playground and pace out the length of the wind turbine blade used at Crudine Ridge wind farm and were able to see a small working model of a wind turbine in action. A wonderfully informative and engaging day was had by students and teachers.
The best question of the day from one of the younger students was: “How much does it cost to buy a wind turbine as I want to put one in our back yard?”
Sapphire Wind Farm Community Co-investment
Sapphire Wind Farm was the first large scale renewable energy project in Australia to roll out a community co-investment scheme. More than $7.4 million was pledged by community members interested in investing throughout 2017 and 2018.
More information can be seen here.
Ekka Junior Judging and Cattle Showing
In August 2022, CWP Renewables and Sapphire Wind Farm sponsored the students at Macintyre High School Inverell, Inverell High School, Holy Trinity School Inverell and Glen Innes High School to visit and compete in the annual Ekka (The Royal Queensland Show).
Some highlights include Inverell High School being awarded first place in the Inter-School herdsman competition, as well as their steer 'Mayo' placing second place in the Carcase competition. The trip also included a mid-week visit to the Australian Outback Spectacular show in the Gold Coast.
It was a great opportunity for the students to get involved and compete in the competitions, make it a fun and memorable learning experience for all who attended.
ACT Community solar investment scheme
Squadron Energy provided the financing for Australia’s largest community-owned renewable energy project: the SolarShare Majura Valley Solar Farm.
SolarShare raised equity from 400 Canberran investors and Squadron Energy provided a loan for the balance.
The project was identified as it was aligned with the community development objectives of Sapphire Wind Farm as part of the ACT Government power purchase agreement scheme.
Our support for the project enabled Solar Share to proceed with a tracking solar panel mounting system. Construction started in late 2020 and was completed in early 2021.
University of Wollongong’s GoLead Internship Program
Squadron Energy has partnered with the University of Wollongong (UOW) to sponsor the Global Leaders Development Program, supporting the next generation of global law and business leaders in the region.
Engaging students in transformation projects is one way we can work towards a renewable energy future – locally and globally. Law and Commerce student, Jelena Zeljkovic has been working with the Wollongong team since September 2022.
UOW Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation, Enterprise and External Relations) Professor Alex Frino says the University is looking forward to students having the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge with the team at Squadron Energy.
“Students emerge from the program with unparalleled professional and life experience, preparing them to be successful graduates entering the workforce,” Professor Frino said.
UCI Wollongong 2022 Community Day
Squadron Energy was proud to be a community partner of the UCI Wollongong 2022 Community Day in September.
Bike riding is for everyone, and whether it was your first time riding with others or you're a regular on the local pathways, this was a special moment to share with family, friends and visitors to Wollongong.
Together, our team is committed to accelerating the decarbonisation of Australia's economy and providing transitional energy solutions. There's no doubt a behavioural shift toward bike riding among our local communities can play a role in that ambition.
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