Balala Wind Farm

Community

Working With Local Communities

At EDF power solutions Australia, working with neighbours and local communities is a key part of how we develop projects.

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We start engaging as early as possible because it’s important for us to understand the issues and concerns that matter to people, and to consider these from the beginning.

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As the project progresses, we’ll keep the community and other stakeholders updated through newsletters, meetings, website updates and community information sessions.

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We aim to communicate in ways that meet local preferences, and we welcome feedback on how we can do this better. Community members are also encouraged to contact us at any time to request information, arrange a meeting or discuss any aspect of the project.

Benefits

Community Benefits

EDF power solutions Australia’s Community Investment Program supports local communities during the project’s development phase, including throughout the Environmental Impact Assessment process. The program focuses on initiatives that reflect local priorities and deliver lasting community, environmental and economic benefits, while aligning with the broader energy transition and the need for a fair and inclusive transition.

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Funding will be directed to communities hosting project infrastructure or located nearby, with First Nations organisations prioritised.

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Supported activities may include projects that build understanding of renewable energy, improve local energy resilience, care for the environment, or strengthen community wellbeing, skills and local economic opportunities.

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Funding Available

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As a general guide:

A total amount of $15,000 during the will be allocated each year.
This amount will equate to $3,000 quarterly, with $3,000 retained up until the last quarter of the year to be deployed during emergencies or ad hoc, unplanned events including damaging weather events, etc. Any unspent amount may be carried over to the following year.
A maximum of $2,000 will apply per application.
Please review the Community Investment Program Guidelines to determine eligibility, and complete the application form if you would like to proceed.

Community Consultation Committee

A Community Consultation Committee (CCC) will be established if requested by the community. The CCC would be a structured forum for open discussion between community representatives, local council, the project team, and other stakeholders both within the project and the broader community.

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The CCC could also provide guidance to EDF regarding the development of other initiatives that produce lasting community benefits and reflect local priorities, and which may be required as part of the planning permit including, potentially, the development of a Community Benefits Fund.

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As we move through the planning process we will share updates about the project with the community and other stakeholders. This will include placing the results of all the studies

Employment

EDF power solutions Australia is committed to maximising the opportunities and benefits for the local community. This means jobs for locals, opportunities for local contractors and service providers and community support.

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A large wind farm project typically generates 100 to 150 jobs during the 2-year construction period and 10 to 15 full-time positions during the 25-year operational life. The types of jobs include:

Engineering
Trades including electrical, mechanical & construction
Transport
Building material providers, including concrete & steel fixing

Heavy vehicle operators
Accommodation
Administration
Specialist consultants such as environmental

Best Practice Charter

In 2024, EDF power solutions Australia proudly became a signatory of the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Developments.

This charter is a voluntary set of commitments that reflects our dedication to advancing and developing projects in a socially responsible manner.

By signing this charter, we demonstrate our commitment to engaging respectfully with the communities where we plan and operate projects, being sensitive to environmental and cultural values, and making a positive contribution to the regions in which we operate.

View Charter

Complaints Handling Policy

EDF power solutions Australia is committed to maintaining positive long-term relationships with all stakeholders, including neighbours, Traditional Owners, community members, local businesses, and regulators. We understand that we might not always get it right and will always strive to be transparent and honest when we don’t.

If you believe you have grounds to make a complaint against EDF power solutions Australia or one of our projects, we are committed to investigating the issue and coming to a resolution with you. The following process outlines how you can make a complaint:

Make contact with the EDF power solutions Australia team via email at balalawindfarm@edf-power.com and outline your complaint.
The Stakeholder Relations Manager will contact you to understand your complaint. They will also log your complaint in our database to ensure that it is tracked to completion.
Our team will commence an internal investigation, consulting relevant stakeholders as necessary.
We aim to acknowledge your complaint within two business days, providing an update on the issue and outlining the next steps.
We will maintain contact with you regularly to ensure you are aware of progress and, where relevant, work towards an agreeable solution together.

For more information or to submit a complaint, please contact balalawindfarm@edf-power.com.

Get in Touch With Us

We'd love to hear from you. Please reach out to our team to learn more about this project or submit an enquiry.