COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD WITH REACT CENTRE FOR WELLINGTON
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has welcomed $11.25 million from the NSW Government which will fund the Renewable Energy Awareness and Career Training (REACT) Centre in Wellington.
The funding is part of the NSW Government’s Energy Co allotment for council areas in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), and provides funds for infrastructure projects that will deliver long-term and legacy benefits for local communities.
DRC Director Strategy Partnerships and Engagement Jessica Brown said the REACT Centre was important for the Wellington community to ensure local residents could gain maximum benefits from the employment opportunities that renewable energy projects would deliver.
“The Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is a $20 billion investment in our region.
“We want people in Wellington, especially young people, to understand the job and career opportunities that are available in the renewable energy sector and be able to gain the skills they need right in their own community.” Mrs Brown said.
The REACT centre will support the training needs of projects across the renewable energy sector, ensuring that specialised skills are available within the region and reduce the reliance on a fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workforce.
“REACT will also provide foundational skill development for people who are entering employment for the first time and people who are considering retraining as well as removing barriers for underrepresented groups to participate in the industry.
“The centre will provide training in renewable energy technologies, foster local economic growth, increase employment opportunities and support regional development,” she said.
The facility will also generate immediate economic benefits by creating local employment opportunities during construction and operation.
Following the announcement Council will now start detailed design of the centre with further consultation to ensure it meets the short, medium and long-term needs of the industry and maximises the benefit for the community.
“Council would also like to thank Squadron Energy, Tilt Renewables, ACEREZ and Lightsource bp, who assisted Council in the development of the business case which highlights the details of the facility and allowed us to apply for the Energy Co grant,” Mrs Brown said.
Last Edited: 22 Apr 2025