What’s Happening?
Western Downs community groups are being urged to apply for Wambo Wind Farm’s 2026 Community Benefit Fund.
This year’s round has been consolidated into one larger funding pool.
It brings multiple rounds together, giving local groups a chance to apply for support for bigger projects.
Applications are open from Monday, 25 May to Monday, 6 July.
Projects should focus on community sustainability, connection, health, wellbeing, strength and resilience across the Western Downs.
Why It Matters
The fund is designed to support local projects that respond to real community needs.
Project Director Stewart Alexander said the fund is central to Wambo Wind Farm’s local commitment.
“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.
He said the single funding pool could help bring larger community ideas to life.
“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.”
By the Numbers
- Up to $200,000 is available through the 2026 bumper round for eligible Western Downs projects and initiatives.
- More than $550,000 has already been invested across the Western Downs since Wambo Wind Farm construction began.
- The wind farm includes 83 turbines and will add more than 500 megawatts of energy to Queensland’s system.
Local Impact
The fund has already supported local groups, schools and services across the Western Downs.
Mr Alexander said the project’s social investment had reached a wide range of organisations.
“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.
He said the project’s local contribution goes beyond the wind farm itself.
“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.”
Zoom In
In 2025, the Community Benefit Fund supported Bell Bunya Community Centre.
The funding helped the centre refurbish its shared space.
The centre is a creative and social hub for Bell.
Locals travel there each day for history and heritage groups, health and fitness classes, library programs, theatre and art exhibitions.
Bell Bunya Community Centre President Jayne Rohrlach said volunteers used the Wambo funding to refresh the facility.
“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.”
Zoom Out
Wambo Wind Farm is located near Jandowae.
The site was chosen for its strong wind resources and grid connection.
The project is a 50:50 joint venture between Cubico Sustainable Investments and Stanwell.
Cubico is a global renewable energy investor, developer, operator and long-term owner.
Its portfolio includes onshore wind, solar photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, battery energy storage systems and transmission line technologies.
Stanwell is a Queensland Government-owned electricity generator.
It supplies electricity and energy solutions to the National Electricity Market and large energy users along Australia’s east coast.
Stanwell has more than 40 years of continuous operations.
It also operates the Tarong power stations near Kingaroy and Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton.
What To Look For Next?
Applications will remain open until Monday 6 July.
The larger funding round means more Western Downs groups may be able to progress bigger local projects.
The next stage will show which community-led ideas from Jandowae, Bell and nearby areas gain support through the 2026 round.