Fire safety big winner in $50,000 Sustainable Communities Fund

A fire safety initiative implemented by the Codrington Rural Fire Brigade has received the largest grant in the 2010 Codrington/Yambuk Sustainable Communities Fund. The program was one of 11 to share in the $50,000 pool of funding.

Pacific Hydro's General Manager, Australia Mr Lane Crockett was in Port Fairy to meet with the successful community applicants at the Sustainable Communities Fund presentation ceremony. (July 26)

"There are some fantastic programs that have shared in the Sustainable Communities Fund this year and it is really encouraging to see the quality of the programs proposed,"

"The successful recipients this year cover a broad range of programs and include the purchase and fit out of a fire trailer for the Codrington Rural Fire Brigade; funding to protect the Hooded Plover over their summer breeding season; and a solar water pumping system for Pallisters Reserve which will be used in the event of a fire.

Each year for the operating life of the Codrington and Yambuk wind farms, $50,000 is available to local community groups through the company's Sustainable Communities Fund.

"It's always difficult to short list applicants when we receive so many worthy applications and this year it was especially tough", said Mr Crockett.

"We received 39 applications highlighting the fantastic work being undertaken by communities. It's just unfortunate we were not able to fund them all."

This year's funding has been shared between groups working to make a positive and lasting contribution to communities including Codrington, Yambuk, Port Fairy, Crossley and Orford.

"We congratulate the community groups who have received funding and extend our thanks to the Moyne Shire council and community members who have assisted us in reviewing applications. Their help has been instrumental in identifying local priorities."

The Codrington/Yambuk Sustainable Communities Fund supports community activities taking place within local areas surrounding the wind farm. The Fund covers environmental, health, sporting, cultural and educational projects and is available for the life of the wind farm's operation.

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Media contact: Chloe Carpenter, 03 8621 6428 / 0410 132 899