Over $125,000 in grants has been distributed to 15 community groups in the first round of the 2024 Mount Emerald Community Fund grants.

The Community Fund has contributed over $1million to 148 local community groups, including schools, sporting clubs and charity projects, across the tablelands since it began in 2019.

RAC contributes more than $200,000 every year of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm’s working life into the fund to support community projects and initiatives.

Groups successful in the latest round of funding to be announced this week are:

• Ravenshoe & District Meals on Wheels
• Inner Wheel Club of FNQ
• FNQ Aviation Museum
• Walkamin Country Music Club
• Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway Inc
• Mt Garnet Rodeo Association
• RSL of Australia – Mareeba Sub Branch Inc
• Tablelands Table Tennis Club
• Parkrun Australia – Mareeba
• Mareeba Community Kindergarten
• Tableland Cycle Sports Inc
• Mareeba and District Cricket Club Inc
• Atherton Eagles Football Club Inc
• Mareeba International Club
• Atherton Junior Rugby League

Projects or groups located within a 50km radius of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm or within a 40km radius of the Windy Hill Wind Farm are eligible to apply for a grant from the fund.

Successful applications are chosen twice a year by Community Fund Advisory Committee, with applications accepted all year round, preferably via the online form.

The deadlines to submit applications to be considered in the following round of funding are 31 January and 31 July each year.  For further information about the community fund or eligibility please visit: https://ratchaustralia.com/mtemerald/community/.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The Mount Emerald Wind Farm comprises 53 wind turbines and is located 5km west of Walkamin in Far North Queensland and commenced operations in 2019.
• The wind farm is built on a plateau around 2km south of Mount Emerald and generates an average of 500 million KWh of safe, clean, renewable electricity every year for its 25-year operating life.

Media Contact:
Melinda Loew
Communications and Community Relations Manager
1800 280 013 or email enquiries@ratchaustralia.com