Five local projects will share in $10,000 funding, with EnergyAustralia today announcing the round two recipients of the 2014 Waterloo Wind Farm Community Fund.
Manoora Primary, the closest school to the wind farm, will receive funding to expand their student-run vegetable garden.
Principal Tracy Griffin said she was thrilled to receive the grant from EnergyAustralia.
“Our vegetable garden project is a great way to involve the whole school community. This funding will enable us to expand the garden and ensure all students have regular hands-on opportunities to learn more about sustainable living,” Ms Griffin said.
Funding was also awarded to the innovative Richardson Park Playscape project which aims to develop a unique play space for local families, the wider community and visitors to the Clare Valley.
Sevenhill SACWA President Adele Agars said in the past Richardson Park had been underutilised.
“Our aim is to rejuvenate the area and create a place where people can rest, play, socialise and exercise safely,” Ms Agars said.
“The grant from Waterloo Wind Farm will go towards building an adventure playground that offers a unique play experience for people of all ages.”
EnergyAustralia’s South Australian Operations Manager Mike Clee said he was delighted with the outcome of round two.
“We have been able to support five worthwhile projects that will deliver real benefits for the region,” Mr Clee said.
“One of the key selection criteria for our grants program is to build community pride – and we believe these projects will achieve that by creating, upgrading or improving the safety of local facilities for the broader community.”
Other grant recipients are the Saddleworth Lawn Tennis Club for a shade sail over the community playground; Robertstown Bowling Club for new shades around the bowling green; and SA Country Carers for the construction of a front door shelter for the Saddleworth Op Shop.
The successful applicants were selected by a panel of EnergyAustralia employees and members of the Mid North Community Liaison Group.
During 2014 EnergyAustralia has provided $20,000 in funding for a diverse range of local projects that will deliver significant benefits to the Mid North community.
In the last financial year, Waterloo Wind Farm achieved a record annual output for wind energy, generating enough clean energy to supply electricity to more than 50,000 homes in South Australia and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 335,000 tonnes.
EnergyAustralia has committed to provide a further $20,000 in community grants for the region in 2015.