Inverell Shire Council has appointed Mr Wayne Ehsman as a community representative on the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Committee.
Mr Ehsman was appointed following an Expression of Interest process to fill a community representative vacancy created by the resignation of Mr Brad Hilton in June.
The Committee manages the distribution of funds provided by the Sapphire Wind Farm developer, supporting community projects, infrastructure and services within the boundaries of Inverell Shire.
The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund was established in 2018 to deliver community benefits, support the work of community-based groups and encourage local innovation in service delivery. The fund currently provides $182,500 annually, allocated across two funding rounds each year.
Mayor of Inverell Shire, Cr Kate Dight, said “The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund has supported a wide range of local projects and continues to provide an important opportunity for community organisations to bring forward ideas that benefit Inverell Shire.
Mr Ehsman’s appointment will help ensure local knowledge continues to guide the Committee’s assessment of applications and the distribution of funding to projects that deliver positive outcomes for our community.”
The Committee meets twice yearly to review funding applications and includes two Councillor representatives, one Sapphire Wind Farm representative and two community members.
Media Release: Inverell Shire Council
