Wind farms generate significant economic benefits for local and regional communities.

Epuron is a signatory to the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Projects, a voluntary commitment to engage respectfully with communities, be sensitive to environmental and cultural values, and make a positive contribution to the regions in which we operate. We also recognise the importance of earning social licence for the project, which has been defined as a "level of acceptance or approval continually granted to an organisation's operations or project by the local community" (Boutilier and Thomson).

We look forward to working with residents in the nearby areas of Ravenshoe, Millstream and Innot Hot Springs, and interested people from the wider Tablelands region. Epuron aims to engage the community widely, address concerns in a timely manner and where practicable incorporate community input to deliver improved outcomes and lasting benefits.

There is a local information hub for the Chalumbin Wind Farm at 55 Grigg St in Ravenshoe.

The shop is attended by a representative of the project team on Thursday afternoons or by appointment, by calling 1800 731 296.

Epuron recognises the continuing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to their land and advocates engagement with Traditional Owners that supports self-determination in caring for country and economic opportunities.

We acknowledge that the Chalumbin Wind Farm project area is Jirrbal Peoples country. The project team is working closely with representatives of the Traditional Owners for the site, the Wabubadda Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC ( Wabubadda ) and Applicants to the Jirrbal #4 Native Title claim.

This work is focused on identifying, protecting and managing cultural heritage on the site to ensure respect to traditional values and culture are upheld.

For more information interested members of the Jirrbal community are encouraged to contact the North Queensland Land Council (NQLC).

The Chalumbin Wind Farm project has a Community Advisory Group. The group provides an important forum for discussion between the project team and the local community, and helps to ensure local residents and stakeholders are:

• Kept informed of the status of the project
• Consulted on plans and proposed changes
• Able to provide feedback on any issues that may arise

Current members of the Chalumbin Wind Farm Community Advisory Group:

• Dr Geraldine McGuire, independent chairperson
• Dinah Venitis, community member
• Sharon Trezise, community member
• Rick Allen, community member
• Mel Pope, community member
• Benno Janzen, community member
• Judith O'Shea, community member
• Liam Roberts, stakeholder representative
• Marita Budden, stakeholder representative
• Cr Annette Haydon, Tablelands Regional Council representative

The Chalumbin Wind Farm Community Advisory Group Charter and Terms of Reference.

Links to presentations and minutes for CAG meetings below:

Chalumbin Wind Farm is proposing a Community Benefit Program based on an industry-leading commitment of $500,000 a year, from the start of construction and for the life of the project. The intention of the program is to:

• Share a generous allocation of the project benefits with the local community.
• Make a meaningful contribution to issues the community cares about.
• Be flexible to focus on changing priorities over time.
• Make the project a positive, rewarding and beneficial development for the local community.
• Advance community connectedness and inclusivity.

Initial ideas for the program include a community fund for local initiatives and projects, a social housing program and an allocation for emergency relief. The program will be co-designed with community members and other local stakeholders to ensure it serves local needs and priorities. Community members are invited to provide input by downloading and submitting a completed program survey:

Epuron issues project update newsletters in both mail and email formats. To sign up for email newsletters register here. To receive newsletters by mail please email the project team with your name, postal address and a request to be added to the mailing list. Links to download issued updates below.

Input from community members is welcome and valued.

Local drop-in information sessions will be scheduled during the planning process to give members of the community an opportunity to discuss the proposal with the project team. In the meantime questions and comments can be emailed to the project team or submitted via the project feedback form.