Western Downs community groups wanting to kick start local projects or initiatives are being urged to apply for up to $200,000 in funding in the 2026 bumper round of Wambo Wind Farm’s Community Benefit Fund.

The consolidated funding round brings together multiple rounds into a single funding pool, giving local groups the opportunity to apply for greater funding to deliver larger-scale projects.

Project Director, Stewart Alexander said the Community Benefit Fund is central to Wambo Wind Farm’s commitment to being part of the positive legacy that investment in energy infrastructure is creating for the region.

“We recently partnered with community leaders to support the development of a Jandowae Community Plan, a shared vision shaped by local people, for local people, outlining the priorities, goals and actions that will guide the future of the community and support coordinated, long-term progress in Jandowae,” Mr Alexander said.

“By consolidating the two funding rounds, we hope our 2026 Community Benefit Fund will be able to support larger projects identified through the plan, helping to bring the community’s long-term aspirations for Jandowae to life.”

Mr Alexander said since construction began, Wambo Wind Farm has proudly invested more than half a million dollars across the Western Downs through the Community Benefit Fund and Community Sponsorship Program.

“That $550,000 has supported a wide range of groups from Taralga Retirement Village to Jandowae State School and funding projects from clubhouse upgrades to social support for seniors,” he said.

“Through our social investment programs, along with recent infrastructure upgrades to Niagara Road and the Neighbour Benefit Scheme, we’re making meaningful social and economic contributions to our local communities.

“As a project and as part of the community, we are proud to contribute more than just energy and look forward to contributing for many more years to come.”

In 2025, the Community Benefit Fund supported the Bell Bunya Community Centre to carry out a refurbishment of the shared space.

The centre is a creative and social hub for the Bell Community, with many travelling each and every day to participate in their history and heritage groups, health and fitness classes, library programs and theatre and art exhibitions.

Bella Bunya Community Centre President, Jayne Rohrlach said volunteers from the Bell Bunya Community Centre, used the funding from Wambo Wind Farm to help refresh the centre.

“The funding allowed us to repaint gallery spaces and rooms, upgrade fittings and improve the overall look and feel of the facility,” Ms Rohrlach said.

“The upgrades have made an incredible difference to the space that hadn’t been updated since it first opened in 2013.

“It's now a more vibrant, inclusive hub that supports a wide range of activities and strengthens community connections for everyone, reinforcing its role as the heart of Bell.”

The Community Benefit Fund will be open to applications from Monday 25 May to Monday 6 July.

Projects and initiatives should be focussed on promoting community sustainability, connectivity, health, wellbeing, strength and resilience across the Western Downs

For more information and to apply, please visit Wambo Wind Farm — Community