The Mount Emerald Wind Farm Community Fund advisory committee has granted $1,034,732.52 since its inception five years ago.  

RATCH-Australia Corporation (RAC) CEO Polagorn Kheosiplard said the fund is designed to share the financial benefits of the wind farm with not-for-profit groups, associations and clubs that make a positive difference to the local community, overseen by a committee of local volunteers.

“It is immensely satisfying to help local groups making a meaningful and lasting difference to everyday lives in the community,” Mr Kheosiplard said. 

“So far, the Community Fund has contributed to 133 local projects for clubs, community groups, schools and charities across the tablelands, such as the Kairi State School project to educate students on sustainable gardening or this year’s funding of equipment for the Atherton’s Northpointe Church Red Frogs Boardriders youth program.

“The voluntary members of the Community Fund Committee also deserve our thanks and recognition for their contribution in overseeing this fund.”

RAC contributes $200,000 every year of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm’s working life into the fund to support community projects and initiatives. This contribution is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), so the fund keeps pace with inflation to support local causes for as long as the wind farm is generating clean energy.

This year just over $216,000 has been donated to almost 30 local community projects across the Tablelands. The funding has helped a diary educational youth camp, women’s associations, and many sports and recreation clubs. Groups successful in the latest round of funding to be announced this week are:

• Atherton District Pony Club
• Ravenshoe Tennis Club
• Tableland Community Link
• Northpointe Church
• Mareeba District Pony Club
• Atherton Rugby League
• Herberton Business and Tourism Inc
• Herberton Mining Museum
• Dimbulah Community Centre
• Mareeba Tennis Club

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 email to communityfund@ratchaustralia.com.

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