Renewables developer TagEnergy has established a partnership with community housing provider BlueCHP to create long-term affordable housing in Oberon, New South Wales, through its proposed The Pines Wind Farm project.
The Pines Wind Farm is a best-in-class, 2GW renewable energy project located within softwood pine plantations across Mount David, Gurnang, and Vulcan State Forests.
The project will supply nearly 10% of New South Wales’ electricity demand, and deliver $600 million in economic benefits to the Oberon and Bathurst regions.
Related article: Wind farms being considered for state pine plantations
The Pines Wind Farm Affordable Housing Project is expected to deliver a minimum of 100 affordable housing beds, responding directly to the housing pressures identified in Oberon Council’s Draft Housing Strategy and supporting the town’s future growth and liveability.
The high-quality development is expected to include a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, which will initially accommodate approximately 20% of The Pines Wind Farm’s construction workforce. Following construction, the dwellings will transition to affordable housing managed by BlueCHP for the benefit of the Oberon community.
The Pines Wind Farm will contribute capital and ongoing funding to subsidise the delivery and long-term affordability of the homes, ensuring they remain accessible to those who need them most.
BlueCHP will develop, own and operate the homes under its established build-to-rent model, providing professional long-term management and governance.
TagEnergy managing partner Australia Andrew Riggs said, “Across the industry, we recognise that renewable projects must do more than generate electricity. They must respond to the needs of the communities that host them.
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“This partnership puts that principle into action. Working with an experienced community housing provider, we’re building long term housing supply into the legacy of The Pines Wind Farm, an initiative than has the potential to be extended across other TagEnergy projects.”
Construction will commence straight after The Pines Wind Farm reaches financial close, planned for late 2028.
