Four community groups in Corangamite Shire will share more than $50,000 to benefit their towns and surrounding area.
At its July meeting, Council approved the allocation of $51,995 to four Berrybank Wind Farm Grant applicants:
Derrinallum Recreation Reserve Committee: Netball court upgrade: $20,000
Derrinallum Bowling Club: Painting of clubrooms: $12,000
Noorat A & P Society: Enclose and clad the Homecrafts Annex: $10,000
Lismore Land Protection Group: Restoring connectivity and on-farm biodiversity: $9,995
Annual funding is provided by the Berrybank Wind Farm with the grants program administered by Corangamite Shire Council.
The program is open to local community groups operating in the Corangamite Shire, and individuals acting on behalf of their community, within 75km of the wind farm.
This is the second round of funding and takes the running total to $139,097 for 10 local community projects.
North Ward Councillor Nick Cole, who moved the approval motion, said Council was very appreciative of Berrybank Wind Farm contributing the funding."
"It's a small amount in comparison to what will be coming when Berrybank Wind Farm 2 is coming online.
"They're chunks of money that the community can actually start doing something worthwhile with - and bigger projects - which makes a big difference to the community as compared to a lot of other smaller grants .
"I thank the Berrybank Wind Farm for doing this and we encourage people to apply next year as well.
"It helps alleviate the Shire having to dip into their own funds; its outside money coming in," Cr Cole said.
GPG Community & Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Philip Beattie said: "Through the Berrybank Wind Farm Grants, GPG is pleased to help fund such worthwhile community projects and look forward to supporting the ongoing needs of the local community."
