Murrumbidgee Council, together with Origin Energy (Origin), have announced Jerilderie’s proposed new medical centre is a significant step closer to becoming a reality.
The project will be made possible thanks to a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) contribution of $5 million from Origin, which is developing the region’s Yanco Delta Wind and Energy Storage project.
Murrumbidgee Mayor, Ruth McRae said Council was delighted to partner with Origin to bring the transformative project to Jerilderie and the surrounding area.
“When complete, the new medical centre will provide medical and allied health services, dental care and minor procedures,” said Mayor McRae.
“With the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas, this new facility will be essential in attracting and retaining medical professionals in the Jerilderie area. It will enhance the health services we currently have and empower the local community,” she said.
Origin’s Head of Social Performance, Jim Belford thanked Council and the project’s previous owners, Virya, for their work in establishing the VPA.
“We welcome Council’s decision to approve the Yanco Delta Wind Farm Voluntary Planning Agreement which will contribute $5m to develop a new medical facility for Jerilderie,” said Mr Belford.
“As the new owners of the Yanco Delta Wind Farm, Origin looks forward to building on the good work of the project’s previous owner and working closely with Council and the local community to deliver this important piece of community infrastructure.
“Origin will also work with council and other local stakeholders as we develop a separate community investment program which will ensure the benefits flowing from the Yanco Delta project are shared with the broader community,” he said.
The timeline for the project has not yet been finalised.
Virya Energy received conditional consent for the wind farm project from the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Places late last year. On 12 April, Origin announced it had entered an agreement to acquire the Yanco Delta project from Virya.Â
As part of the conditional consent, the project’s owner is required to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement with local councils and subsequently make a monetary contribution for a public purpose such as infrastructure.
Yanco Delta Wind Farm, will be located north-west of Jerilderie. When complete, it will be one of the largest on-shore wind and energy storage developments in the country.
Connecting to the Dinawan Substation, it is envisaged the project will produce power for around 750,000 households and avoid up to 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
The project is also located within the Edward River Local Government Area.
