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SEC grants now available to create a stronger Horsham community

29 June 2026

The SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham Community Benefit Fund is now open, with local community groups, organisations and initiatives encouraged to apply for grants that will deliver lasting benefits for the Horsham region.

In 2026, SEC will invest $126,000 through the fund across the Horsham local government area, combining three years’ worth of funding during the construction phase of the project.

Grants of up to $25,000 per project are available for initiatives that strengthen local connections, build resilience and create positive outcomes for the community.

SEC will invest more than $3 million in local initiatives over the 30-year operational life of the project, with the fund paying out $100,000 per year (indexed for CPI) once the Park begins commercial operations in late 2027.

SEC Executive General Manager Assets, Lane Crockett, said the fund reflects SEC’s commitment to ensuring the benefits of the project are shared.

“The Community Benefit Fund is about supporting the people, organisations and ideas that help make Horsham a strong and connected community,” Mr Crockett said.

“We heard from more than 100 community members during consultation on how the fund should be designed, and their feedback has helped shape the program.

“We’re looking forward to supporting local initiatives that deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for the region.”

The Community Benefit Fund is part of SEC’s broader investment in the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham, a 100 per cent publicly owned renewable energy project currently under construction in Victoria’s west.

The project includes a 119-megawatt solar farm with more than 212,000 solar panels and a 100-megawatt, two-hour battery energy storage system.

Once operational in 2027, it will generate enough renewable energy to power around 51,000 homes. The project has engaged dozens of local businesses and created 625 job opportunities to date, including 18 apprentices and trainees.

Applications for the Community Benefit Fund open on Monday 29 June 2026 and close at 11:59pm AEST on Monday 24 August 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit secvictoria.com.au/horsham.

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