Over the years we have had the pleasure of getting to know the Balranald Shire and Murray River communities and learning about your priorities.
This collaboration has informed a balanced and responsible project, and shaped the capacity building, employment, contracting and community development initiatives that matter to local people.
As we work through the project approvals, we will continue to seek community insights and provide feedback opportunities.
Our focus is on working with community to provide information in a fair and accessible way and identify and address potential challenges early. If you have feedback about the project, we want to hear from you.
Read more in our Community Engagement fact sheet.
Windlab supports opportunities for Traditional Owners to participate in the development of our projects, and deeply respects First Nations culture, knowledge and agency in everything we do.
Windlab is engaging a number of Registered Aboriginal Parties for Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys and assessment at Junction Rivers. Our focus is to ensure open and transparent dialogue, protection of Cultural Heritage and provide equitable opportunities that acknowledge the region’s First Nations histories and connections to Country.
The Junction Rivers logo was created by First Nations artist and Balranald local Louise Murray. It captures the region’s five iconic rivers: the Murray, the Murrumbidgee, the Lachlan, the Wakool and the Edward. Louise’s artwork was also commissioned by Windlab and features in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Junction Rivers will create up to 600 new construction jobs, and inject nearly $1.4 billion into the regional economy through local employment, contracting and supply opportunities.
We will work directly with regional communities and stakeholders to share information about upcoming opportunities prior to construction.
Follow Windlab on LinkedIn for new job listings and the latest from across Windlab’s portfolio of projects.
The Junction Rivers Community Benefit Fund has been designed, with three distinct funding streams, to deliver lasting positive benefits for the region by investing in the sustainable development initiatives that matter to locals.
Windlab will commit $525 per megawatt to the fund in line with the project’s final approved generation capacity. Based on the current project design, this would mean up to $400,000 invested in local sponsorships, donations, and partnership initiatives across regional communities every year.
An annual fund of $1,050 per megawatt will be shared between Balranald Shire and Murray River Councils under a Voluntary Planning Agreement. Based on the current project design this fund could total up to $750,000. This funding will help Council deliver sustainable development initiatives that benefit local communities.
A First Nations Community Benefits Fund will support long-term economic growth, including local employment, educational support, health initiatives, and environmental stewardship.
The full-scale Junction Rivers Community Benefit Fund will be launched once the project reaches financial close, and is contingent on project regulatory approval and connection to the South West Renewable Energy Zone access right network.
We are currently running a cost of living pilot program exclusively for Kyalite residents. This follows delivery of the $60,000 Community Benefit Fund pilot program in 2023, which supported six community-driven initiatives from across the Murray River and Balranald communities.
Windlab is committed to leading-practice consultation and engagement. We collaborate with regional communities over many years to ensure their input shapes the project’s design, and the sustainable benefits that make a difference in the lives of local people.
Windlab is a signatory to the Clean Energy Council Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Projects, and a member of Re-Alliance.
The Charter provides a leading-practice framework for renewable energy companies to ensure projects protect community, environmental and cultural values.
Read our 2024 CEC Best Practice Charter Report.
Re-Alliance is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy organisation working to secure long-term benefits and prosperity for regional Australia through the energy transition.
Windlab Developments Pty Ltd
Level 4, 60 Marcus Clarke St
Canberra City, ACT, 2601
