Forty community groups across the Snowy Monaro region will share in $285,768 of grant funding from the 2024 Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund.
The Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund was established as part of the NSW Government's approval for the Boco Rock Wind Farm project. Each year, a portion of the wind farm's revenue is set aside to support local community initiatives.
This arrangement ensures that the benefits of the renewable energy project extend beyond power generation to directly support the local community.
In a significant change for 2024, the fund eligibility expanded to include the entire Snowy Monaro region. The expansion is a condition of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure approval of the second stage expansion of the Boco Rock Wind Farm.
As a result, community groups from all corners of the region were able to apply for funding, broadening the fund's impact.
This year's funding will support a diverse range of projects that aim to enhance community life across the Snowy Monaro. The funded initiatives include improvements to community facilities, support for local events and festivals, purchase of equipment for volunteer groups, and various environmental and heritage projects.
Each of these deserving initiatives will make a positive contribution to our region.
Among the recipients, the Nimmitabel Show Society secured funding to renovate the roof of their Luncheon Pavilion, a project that will ensure the continued use of this important community gathering space.
The Cooma Landcare group received support to purchase essential equipment, bolstering their efforts in local environmental conservation.
In Delegate, the RSL Sub-Branch obtained funding to illuminate their flagpole, enhancing the visibility and significance of this memorial site.
The fund received 46 applications requesting a total of $609,283. Grants awarded ranged from $1,500 to $36,500, reflecting the diverse scale of community needs across the region. A committee comprising community members and councillors carefully assessed each application against the strict criteria list in order to select the successful projects.
The next round of Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund grants will open for applications in the first quarter of 2025. Community groups interested in applying are encouraged to start planning their projects well in advance.
