Eleven local community groups have received a share of $50,000 in funding available from AGL Energy Limited’s (AGL) 2014 Macarthur Wind Farm (MWF) Community Fund Program.

AGL Victorian Wind Farms Operations Manager, Brendan Ryan, said the fund was established as part of AGL’s broader undertaking to support the local communities in which we operate.

“As a significant employer and investor in the Macarthur-Hawkesdale region, AGL is always looking for ways to make sustainable contributions to the local community. Our fund program provides a fair and transparent way to fund community initiatives,” said Mr Ryan.

Applications for the latest round of support were reviewed by the fund’s independent panel, consisting of members from the local community and Moyne Shire councilors. AGL agreed with all of the panel’s recommendations.

One project recipient is the Macarthur Men’s Shed, to assist with training of three members in electrical equipment testing. The MWF Community Fund will provide $2,500 towards training costs.

“The panel considered this was a worthwhile project as it not only builds capacity within the local community, it may also assist other community organisations to reduce the cost of having their electrical equipment checked,” Mr Ryan said.

The Spring Creek Rural Fire Brigade received $5,000 toward the cost of a new shed.

A number of sport-associated organisations also received support including: Hawkesdale Cricket Club ($5,000); Hawkesdale Macarthur Football Netball Club ($2,260); Macarthur Bowls Club ($2,250); Hawkesdale Swimming Pool ($3,435); Hawkesdale Tennis Club ($965); and Broadwater Tennis Club ($5,000).

Recreational reserve organisations to receive support included: Macarthur Recreational Reserve ($5,411); Minhamite Recreation Reserve ($4,730); and Tarrone Recreation Reserve ($8,000).

AGL has provided a total of $100,000 to community projects since it launched the fund in 2013. There will be one round of funding available in 2015 and the next application period will be open in the third quarter of 2015.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and is the 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 investors, communities and customers.