Dubbo Regional Council’s mission to cement the city as a renewable energy capital has received a significant boost, thanks to funding from the NSW Government.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $108,180.50 for Dubbo Regional Council to develop a business case for the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Green Energy Hub.
“The REZ has enormous potential for the development of solar, wind and pumped hydro projects that can contribute energy to the National Electricity Market (NEM), support jobs and drive investment right across our region,” Mr Saunders said.
“It also unlocks a lot of opportunities – from component manufacturing and solar panel recycling to green hydrogen production – and Dubbo’s in a prime position to capitalise on them.
“I commend Dubbo Regional Council on this initiative, to make sure we maximise the economic opportunities these green industries present!”
“Through the funding of this grant, Council will develop a strategic business case for infrastructure investment, planning strategies and policies which will enable a streamlined approach to supply chain investment to future-proof the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone,” Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Councillor Mathew Dickerson said.
“Council staff are already facilitating enquiries regarding private business investment related to green industries, but without relevant infrastructure, regional NSW runs the risk of losing these large-scale businesses to outer Sydney and QLD locations.
“Once infrastructure has been established, with the existing enquiries alone, we estimate 150 new jobs would be created locally.”
The Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund and will help create a pipeline of investment-ready projects for future funding opportunities.
For further information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/BusinessCaseFund