AGL Energy Limited (AGL) has launched a new community grants program worth $25,000 per year as part of their Newcastle Gas Storage Facility (NGSF) Project, currently under construction at Tomago, NSW.

The program encourages registered charities and community groups within the Port Stephens and Greater Newcastle area to apply for funding for projects, events or initiatives that provide benefit to the local community in the areas of education, environment, health and recreation.

The $25,000 in small community grants will be offered each year by AGL for the 30-year operational lifespan of the NGSF.

“This means in excess of one million dollars will be given by AGL to the local community in small grants throughout the lifespan of the project,” said Naomi Rowe, AGL’s Community Relations Manager for the NGSF.

“At AGL we believe that engaging with and contributing to the communities we operate in is central to the success of our business.

“By making a long term investment in our local communities we can ensure that others share in our success.”

The NGSF will provide the storage capability for up to two weeks of stored gas for the Greater Newcastle region which can be used to ensure adequate local gas supply during peak demand periods in the winter months. The facility is expected to be fully operational by early 2015.

Applications for AGL’s small community grants program will open for the Port Stephens and Greater Newcastle region on 6 March 2014.

For more information about the grants program or to download an application form, please visit our website www.agl.com.au/newcastle. The grants will be announced on 2 May 2014.


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 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 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.