Pottinger Energy Park's $515,000 Fund Pottinger Energy Park’s $515,000 REZ Success Fund

Pottinger Energy Park’s $515,000 REZ Success Fund supporting critical projects for Riverina community and First Nations groups

The proposed Pottinger Energy Park being jointly developed by Someva Renewables and AGL Energy in NSW’s Riverina region has begun distributing $515,000 in funding to local community and First Nations groups across Hay, Deniliquin and the Riverina.

The funding, from Pottinger Energy Park’s Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Success Fund, is part of a commitment by Someva Renewables and AGL Energy to ensure Pottinger Energy Park delivers substantial financial and social benefits to the region.

The funding will support initiatives that respond to and address priorities identified by the local community during Pottinger Energy Park’s consultation and design phase. These include programs ranging from education and training, cancer support, youth mental health, bushfire response, childcare, sport and recreation, environmental and First Nations knowledge sharing, ranger, renewable energy and business support programs.

Groups to receive funding include: Booroorban Sporting & Social Club, Country University Centre Southern Riverina, Deniliquin Can Assist, Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council, Giz a Break, Hay Children’s Services, Hay Inc., NSW Rural Fire Service (Mid-Murray and MIA districts), River Region Early Education and Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre.

Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva Renewables said: “From the outset, Pottinger Energy Park has been about working with the local community to ensure the benefits of renewable energy are shared throughout the region. The distribution of Pottinger Energy Park’s REZ Success Fund is a demonstration of this commitment in action.

“A large proportion of the Pottinger Energy Park REZ Success Fund has already been used by recipients to purchase much needed equipment, design and run new training programs and provide critical health and mental health support to local residents. We’re looking forward to continuing to distribute these funds in the months ahead to support some of the region’s most impactful community groups and initiatives.”

AGL Senior Manager, Stakeholder Engagement NSW, Rob Cooper said: “Today’s announcement shows Pottinger Energy Park is delivering real benefits for Riverina communities even before the first turbine is operational. The REZ Success Fund reflects our belief that renewable energy projects work best when they’re shaped in partnership with local communities. The range of organisations receiving funding demonstrates the strength of that partnership and the positive role the project is already playing across the region.”

Pottinger Energy Park has received approval for the development of up to 1,300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy via the construction of 247 wind turbines – supported by a battery of up to 500 MW / 2000 MWh. The initial phase of development, pending a final investment decision, is expected to begin in late 2026. At its peak, Pottinger Energy Park could deliver up to 900 construction jobs and 55 ongoing operational roles.

The Pottinger Energy Park REZ Success Fund is part of the Pottinger Energy Park Community Benefits Program which will deliver approximately $26 million in direct support to the community over the next 30 years. In addition, the Pottinger Energy Park will deliver tens of millions of dollars in indirect benefits through new job and local business opportunities.

This funding is in addition to EnergyCo’s $60 million Community and Employment Benefit Program announced by Energy Minister Penny Sharpe earlier this month.

About Someva Renewables

Someva Renewables is an 100% Australian-owned, NSW-based renewable energy company that works with landowners, communities, and industry leaders to deliver the clean, affordable and reliable energy that will power Australia’s future. Someva carefully selects renewable energy projects before working with communities, leading technical advisors and industry partners, to deliver truly industry-leading renewable energy projects.

For more information, visit somevarenewables.com.au.

About AGL Energy

At AGL, we believe energy makes life better and are passionate about powering the way Australians live, move and work. Proudly Australian for more than 185 years, AGL supplies around 4.5 million energy, telecommunications and Netflix customer services. AGL is committed to providing our customers simple, fair and accessible essential services as they decarbonise and electrify the way they live, work and move. AGL operates Australia’s largest private electricity generation portfolio within the National Electricity Market, comprising coal and gas-fired generation, renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro and solar, batteries and other firming technology, and storage assets. We are building on our history as one of Australia’s leading private investors in renewable energy to now lead the business of transition to a lower emissions, affordable and smart energy future in line with the goals of our Climate Transition Action Plan. We’ll continue to innovate in energy and other essential services to enhance the way Australians live, and to help preserve the world around us for future generations.

For more information visit agl.com.au.

Quotes from Pottinger Energy Park REZ Success Fund recipients

Felicity Michael, General Manager of River Region Early Education, said:

“This funding has supported River Region Early Education with the costs associated with the development application process for a new childcare centre for Deniliquin and community, allowing our reserves to be spent delivering quality education to children. The funding enables us to increase the childcare places available to our community, which will positively impact children, their families and employers across Deniliquin and surrounding communities.”

Zonk Tremper from Giz A Break said:

“The support we have received has made a massive difference to both our organisation as well as young people in Hay. It has enabled us to deliver three, four-day mental health support programs for 14-16 year olds in Hay, facilitated by a team including a mental health social worker. We’ve formed strong relationships with other organisations on the ground. We particularly value our collaboration with the Hay Aboriginal Health Service and, with the input of participants in the program, helped us design a new program for young people living with significant mental health challenges. We value our continuing connection with the Hay community and look forward to building on the platform this funding has helped us solidify.”

Leanne Small, Committee Chair, Country University Centre Southern Riverina, said:

“The establishment of a Regional Country University Centre requires government funding supported by demonstrated financial contributions and strong partnerships from both community and industry stakeholders. The Pottinger Energy Park REZ Success Fund Grant provides clear evidence of industry commitment and will deliver a practical benefit by funding the technology required to establish the centres. The CUC Southern Riverina Committee sincerely acknowledges and greatly appreciates the support of Pottinger Energy Park through this grant.”

Liz Whykes from Deni Can Assist said:

“Pottinger Energy Park’s generous financial contribution directly enabled Deni Can Assist to purchase Return & Earn bins which will increase the financial support to our local community members going through their cancer journey. One hundred per cent of funds raised and granted locally stay in the community, and this support has delivered highly targeted relief to local families.”

Pottinger Energy Park REZ Success Fund Recipients *Provided in alphabetical order
Pottinger Energy Park REZ Success Fund recipient	Grant value	Initiative supported
Booroorban Sporting & Social Club	$20,000	The purchase and registration of a mobile cool room to contribute to social activities and community infrastructure improvements in the Booroorban area.
Country University Centre Southern Riverina	$50,000	The purchase of new laptops and software for students as well as new video conferencing equipment for campuses at Deniliquin and Finley.
Deniliquin Can Assist	$5,000	The purchase of 20 new Wheelie Bins and signage to support donations received through the NSW Return & Earn Scheme at local community and sporting events.
Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council	$50,000	The installation of a solar power system to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, and a heating system to deliver improved comfort and usability at Deniliquin LALC’s facilities.
Giz A Break Limited	$40,000	The delivery of health, mental health and wellbeing support camps for young people in 2025 and 2026. Facilitators work with young people and assist with social and cognitive capacities that strengthen their resilience.
Hay Children’s Services	$10,000	Contribution to the development of a Bushfire Report as part of the Development Application for the establishment of a new mobile childcare service at Booroorban Community Hall.
Hay Inc	$25,000	The development of a new training program for the next generation of local farmers. The new training module focuses on the importance of food and fibre production co-existing alongside renewable energy production and will demonstrate innovative rural land-use and on-farm industry diversification. It is aimed at locals aged 18-25.
NSW Rural Fire Service – MIA District	$40,000	The purchase of critical equipment including e-flares, thermal imaging cameras, portable fridges and PMR Portable Radios.
NSW Rural Fire Service – Mid Murray	$40,000	The purchase of a portable back-up generator  for the brigade’s town halls. This will ensure reliable electrical supply during an emergency enhancing emergency response capabilities.
River Region Early Education	$10,000	Funding to support the Development Application for a new Deniliquin Childcare Centre – including site analysis and concept design.
Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre	$45,000 for two initiatives	Initiative 1: The development of a NSW South West Renewable Energy Zone First Nations Engagement Framework, with focus areas of education, job readiness, cultural wellbeing and community wellbeing. The development of the framework will include workshops with the local Aboriginal community organisations, key partner agencies and Pottinger Energy Park. Initiative 2: The development of an operational plan for the Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre to support connection with local and regional tourism operators and to support the delivery of the Edward River Visitor Economy Action Plan.
Project neighbours	$80,000	Funding to support renewable energy and decarbonisation programs on properties neighbouring Pottinger Energy Park. This includes the installation of solar panels and battery systems.