Mount Emerald Wind Farm seeking locals to manage $200,000 community fund.
As the 180MW Mount Emerald Wind Farm near Walkamin nears completion, project developer Ratch Australia Corporation is following through on its commitment to a $200,000 per year Community Benefit Fund to sponsor projects or initiatives that improve the quality of life for local communities.
The company this week called for Expressions of Interest for three local volunteers to join an Advisory Committee responsible for administering the Fund which will operate for 25 years.
Ratch Community Engagement Facilitator Kim Forde said the Advisory Committee would assist Ratch in assessing applications for funding which would make a positive and lasting contribution to the region.
“Ratch has shared a long relationship with communities on the Atherton Tablelands, we value their support and we’re committed to making the regions in which we work healthier, stronger, sustainable and more liveable,” Ms Forde said.
“We’re calling on people living within the Mareeba and Tablelands Council areas to participate in the administration of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund so that right money goes to the right people from not-for-profit groups and clubs to associations and individuals working hard to make a difference.”
Ms Forde said anyone wishing to join the Committee should make a one-page submission to communityfund@ratchaustralia.com by 20 December 2018.
Applications for the first round of funding are now open and close on 31 January 2019, with funding applications to be decided in mid-February 2019.
“If you share my love for the Atherton Tablelands then please raise your hand, this is an opportunity to make our great region even greater,” Ms Forde said.