A Hepburn community group will share in $1.1 million worth of grants for renewable energy projects across Victoria, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Renewable Communities Program.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, announced that Hepburn Community Wind Park Cooperative will receive $500,000 to build Victoria’s first hybrid wind and solar park, which will be the first of its kind in Australia to be community-owned.
The community solar farm will include 3 megawatts (MW) of solar PV and 4.1 MW of wind generation on site, providing a major boost to the shire’s zero-net energy target by 2025 and its zero-net emissions target by 2030.
The Renewable Communities Program supports community-owned renewable energy projects and the local groups and associations delivering them.
Funding has been awarded to nine renewable energy projects across the state that best deliver the benefits of renewable energy to local communities.
This includes community solar and battery storage initiatives, smart grid technology and bioenergy projects.
The Renewable Communities Program is part of the Labor Government’s $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund, which is creating jobs and supporting clean energy.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"This exciting project will see our region become a national leader in renewable energy."
"The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to support the Hepburn Shire’s zero-net emissions target."
"We’re backing local solutions for reducing energy costs and tackling climate change."