In Short

• Massive Scale: The joint venture between AGL and Someva will feature 247 turbines and a 500MW battery, capable of powering 830,000 homes.
• Local Investment: A $26 million community benefit fund has been committed for the Hay and Edward River regions over the next 30 years.
• Get Involved: Applications are now open for the Community Consultative Committee (CCC), with EOIs due by Monday, 9 March 2026.

Pottinger Energy Park Opens Community Seat at the Table

As the Pottinger Energy Park, near Boorooban, NSW prepares to transition into its detailed design and construction phase later this year, project developers have announced the formation of a Community Consultative Committee (CCC).

The Pottinger Energy Park, a joint venture between AGL Energy and Someva Renewables, has secured primary state and federal approvals for development in the NSW Riverina. Located approximately 60 km south of Hay and 75 km north of Deniliquin, the project is situated within the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ). The facility is designed to host up to 247 wind turbines with a total capacity of 1,300 MW, paired with a 500 MW / 2,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Once fully operational, the park is projected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 830,000 homes.

Under the current development timeline, construction is expected to commence in late 2026. The project is estimated to create 900 jobs during the peak construction phase and 50 to 60 permanent positions for ongoing operations. As part of the planning agreement, the developers have committed $26 million to a community benefit fund distributed across the Hay and Edward River local government areas over a 30-year period. The park will connect to the national grid via the Project EnergyConnect transmission line.

The committee is designed to serve as a formal advisory body, ensuring that residents across the impacted regions have a direct line of communication with the project’s proponents. While the CCC does not hold decision-making powers, it functions as a critical forum for sharing information, raising local concerns, and discussing the management of project impacts.

A Seat at the Table

The establishment of the CCC comes at a pivotal time, with construction slated to begin in 2026. Managed by an independent chairperson, the committee will operate under the strict guidelines of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (NSW DPHI).

Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva Renewables, emphasised the importance of local input during this transition.

“The Pottinger Energy Park Community Consultative Committee provides a practical way for community members to be involved, share local insights and perspectives and learn how Pottinger Energy Park is planned to be delivered,” Mr Chivers said. 

“We encourage anyone with an interest in the project, or who knows someone who would be a good community representative, to get involved.”

What the Role Entails

The project is currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from individuals who live, work, or own land in the local area, as well as representatives from industry, environmental, or First Nations organisations.

Successful applicants will be expected to:

Participate in respectful, independently chaired discussions.

Act as a conduit for accurate information between the CCC and the broader community.

Attend quarterly meetings (the first is anticipated for Monday, 30 March 2026).

The positions are voluntary, though reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed. Initial appointments are for a two-year term.

How to Apply

The selection process will be overseen by Independent Chairperson Ian Colley, who will assess applicants based on their ability to demonstrate an understanding of local issues and a commitment to constructive dialogue.

Residents interested in representing their community must submit their EOI by Monday, 9 March 2026.

To request an application form, contact Felicity Stening at [email protected]. Following the EOI closure, recommendations will be provided to the NSW DPHI, and applicants will be notified once appointments are finalised.