Several local community groups have submitted applications for the first round of AGL Energy Limited’s (AGL) Broken Hill Solar Plant Construction Community Fund and there is still time for others to apply.

AGL recently announced that $25,000 is available in the first round of funding and is encouraging groups seeking support for broad-based community initiatives to apply before the closing date on 12 December 2014.

AGL’s community funds have generally been provided to projects with demonstrable benefits in social welfare, safety, environment, education and youth, sport and recreation, arts and economic development.

The applications will be assessed by an independent community fund panel. AGL will announce successful fund applicants in January 2015 and cheques will be presented the following month.

AGL Broken Hill Solar Plant Project Manager, Adam Mackett, said it is a priority for AGL to find ways to make a positive contribution in the local communities in which it operates and the community fund was one way of achieving this.

“We established a similar community fund for our Nyngan Solar Plant and have provided contributions to a range of broad-based community projects. These included funds to a junior football team to buy a sun shade marquee and to a local school to upgrade a boundary fence.

“Other successful recipients to receive support included a preschool, the local Men’s Shed group and the hospital auxiliary which purchased special beds for its aged care facility. It would be great to see such a wide range of projects supported by the Broken Hill Solar Plant Construction Community Fund,” said Mr Mackett.

AGL will deliver the 53 MW Broken Hill Solar Plant in partnership with the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the NSW Government, the Broken Hill City Council, the local community and project partners First Solar.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and largest ASX listed owner, operator and developer of renewable energy generation in the country. Drawing on over 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 taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers