What’s Happening?
Clarke Creek Wind Farm has reached a major community milestone through years of support across Central Queensland. Through Squadron Energy, the project has backed local groups, events, students, households and businesses in several ways.
Support has included sponsorships, grants, scholarships and electricity bill relief, with investment continuing across the region.
Clarke Creek Pony Club is among the organisations benefiting from this support. The club remains a cornerstone of community life, bringing local riders and families together. Regular event sponsorship has helped develop young riders and expand participation at the club.
Why It Matters?
The funding helps small not-for-profit groups complete infrastructure and facility upgrades beyond their normal financial reach. It also supports education, community sport and household costs across the region.
For local organisations, this support can provide better equipment, improved facilities and more opportunities to hold community events. Students also receive help with their studies, while households and businesses gain some relief from electricity costs.
Local Impact
Squadron Energy has supported the pony club’s three major events held during the past three years. This backing has helped its membership more than double over three and a half years.
The club can now engage experienced external instructors and progressively improve its equipment. This work supports riders’ skills while maintaining a safe, high-quality environment for members.
Marlborough community groups have also used the funding to upgrade infrastructure and improve facilities. These projects would otherwise have remained beyond the budgets of the small organisations involved.
By The Numbers
- Since 2022, Clarke Creek Wind Farm has invested $1.29 million across more than 70 local organisations and initiatives.
- Thirty local students have received scholarships worth nearly $200,000. Dozens of residents and businesses have taken up the $1,000 annual electricity bill bonus.
- During construction, 29 Central Queensland businesses were engaged. More than $500 million went to local suppliers and businesses. The Community Benefit Fund provides $200,000 annually throughout the project’s life.
Zoom In
Squadron Energy Head of Community and Regional Development Jessica Kite said the milestone was a major highlight for the company.
“We’re incredibly proud to have invested more than $1 million into local communities since 2022, supporting everything from grassroots organisations and community events through to education opportunities for local students,” Ms Kite said.
“What makes this milestone particularly meaningful is seeing the direct impact these contributions are having on our local community, whether it’s helping community groups deliver important projects, supporting young people to pursue their studies or providing practical cost-of-living relief for households.
“We’re committed to continuing to work alongside the community and ensuring the benefits of Clarke Creek Wind Farm are felt for many years to come.”
Clarke Creek Pony Club Treasurer Meghan Speed said the support had played a significant role in the club’s growth.
“Squadron has consistently supported every initiative and idea we have presented for our community events,” Ms Speed said.
“Their sponsorship process is straightforward, and their ability to make timely decisions makes them an approachable and reliable partner for community organisations seeking support. Over the past three years, the Clarke Creek Pony Club has delivered three major events, all of which have been proudly supported by Squadron.”
“Their ongoing commitment has enabled us to invest in the development of our young riders, resulting in our membership more than doubling over the past three and a half years. We are now able to engage experienced external instructors to further develop our members’ skills, while also progressively upgrading our equipment to ensure we continue to provide a safe, high-quality environment for our riders. Their investment has played a significant role in the growth and success of our club.”
Zoom Out
Support has also reached Marlborough P&C, Marlborough Public Hall and the local show committees. Representative Chloe Atkinson said the funding had allowed community groups to progress projects previously beyond their budgets.
“Squadron has injected much needed funds into our local communities,” Ms Atkinson said. “This money has helped our community groups move forward with projects to upgrade infrastructure and improve facilities that would have otherwise been out of financial reach for our small not-for-profit groups. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to improving and supporting the local area.”
The investment has also reached Central Queensland suppliers and businesses involved in the wind farm’s construction.
What To Look For Next?
Local organisations will have another opportunity to seek support when applications reopen, which is expected in January 2027.
The Community Benefit Fund will continue providing annual funding throughout the project’s life. This could support more local projects, events and facility improvements across the region.
