Horsham locals help shape SEC’s community benefit fund

15 August 2025

More than 100 community members have had their say on how benefits from the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham will be shared locally through a new community benefit fund.

Throughout June and July, SEC engaged with all sectors of the community to gather feedback on how the new fund should be designed and delivered to best support Horsham’s priorities.

Community members put forward a wide range of ideas, with strong support for long-term practical, grassroots initiatives – both big and small.

The Community Benefit Fund is part of a broader package of benefits, including employment and supplier opportunities, the solar farm and battery project will bring to the area. The fund includes $126,000 during the construction phase, and a further $2 million to be invested over the life of the project.

SEC CEO Chris Miller said the feedback would ensure the fund reflected what matters most to the Horsham community.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to have their say — the feedback provides us with an understanding of the community’s priorities and where the fund can make the biggest impact,” Mr Miller said.

“This input will guide how we structure the fund and where it’s best directed, so it can deliver real, long-term benefits for those who live and work in the region.”

The engagement process enabled people to contribute their views in person at local drop-in sessions, a webinar, written submissions and an online survey.

Ideas included financial support for community groups and organisations, investment in community infrastructure; as well as long-term sustainable initiatives, including leadership opportunities for the region.

There was also strong support to ensure the fund is simple to access and facilitates a broad mix of projects to benefit as many people as possible across the Horsham community.

SEC is now reviewing the community feedback and will release a summary of what was heard and the next steps for the fund in the coming months. Further engagement with stakeholders will be held to finalise the structure and priorities of the fund.

The funds are expected to start being released in the first half of calendar year 2026.

SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham will generate enough renewable energy to power around 51,000 homes each year and is creating around 246 jobs, including 20 positions for apprentices, trainees and cadets.

In addition to the fund, SEC is committed to supporting local businesses, contractors, social enterprises and First Peoples, and exploring broader opportunities to support Horsham and the Wimmera region into the future.

To stay updated or view the engagement summary once released, visit SEC Renewable Energy Park - Horsham.