AGL Energy Limited (AGL) today announced its support for 14 local community groups with a cumulative funding donation of $35,000 for sporting, environmental, educational, cultural and tourism initiatives across the greater Hallett region, which was followed by a celebratory lunch at the Burra Information Centre.

The recipient community groups responded to AGL's open advertisement offering community funding, which was has become increasingly popular over the seven years that AGL has offered community grants, which this year ranged from $500 to $5,000. 

From the sports arena, the Burra Cricket Club, Burra Community and Sports Club, Burra Golf Club, the Booborowie Cricket Club were successful. From the educational sector, the Burra Community School of Out of Hours Care and the Burra Community School received grants. And from the cultural sphere, the Hallett Historical Society, the Burra Regional Tourism & Business Association, the Burra Quilting Group, the Pygmy Blue Tongue Conservation Association, and the Robertson War Memorial Community Centre received community funds.

An example of how some of the funds will be reinvested into the community include the Burra Community School commencing the Burra Breakfast Club once a week, promoting healthy eating and social interaction amongst students.

AGL's Wind Energy Operations Manager South Australia, Scott Lauder, said that AGL is proud of the very successful relationship it has cultivated with people in the local community, from landowners and local councillors to business people and residents.

"The newly revamped Burra Information Centre now has updated maps and information with LED lighting and some interactive features for people who are interested in learning about the wind farm and its progress.

"As a long term operator of wind farms in the Hallett region, we are making a sustainable contribution in the community both as a company and as individuals living and working in it," says Mr Lauder.

AGL is the operator of the four wind farms in the Hallett region, operating a total of 167 wind turbines and employing 30 full time contract positions to oversee the maintenance of the wind farms.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated renewable energy companies and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on 175 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.