28 | Mid-Western Living SPRING 2025 When most people think of renewable energy, they picture wind turbines and solar panels. But for Squadron Energy and Dubbo Regional Council, clean energy is also about long-term investment in people, infrastructure and place - and building the foundations for thriving regional communities. In a ground-breaking collaboration, Squadron Energy and Dubbo Regional Council have partnered on a series of infrastructure projects that address some of the region’s most pressing challenges - including water security, housing shortages, and local workforce development - while supporting the clean energy transition across the Central West Orana (CWO) region. Head of Project Development at Squadron Energy, Trish McDonald, says the goal has always been to move beyond transactional engagement and work side-by-side with local stakeholders. “We didn’t just want to deliver projects in isolation. We wanted to work hand-in-hand with Council and the community to build long-term solutions that reflect local needs and values.” Instead of looking at each project in isolation, both parties stepped back to understand the bigger picture - what the region truly needs to thrive not just now, but in ten, twenty or even fifty years. By identifying key pressure points and leveraging a shared vision, they’ve been able to deliver a suite of solutions that go well beyond the energy sector, strengthening the fabric of the community itself. INFRASTRUCTURE WITH IMPACT A CLEAN ENERGY COLLABORATION BUILDING A STRONGER REGION Turning Scarcity Into Sustainability The most visible of these projects is the new Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP) – a $3.6 million investment that will recycle up to 700 megalitres of water annually. This recycled water will support construction activity across the region, easing pressure on potable water supply while ensuring essential community spaces and assets are protected during times of drought. Dubbo Regional Council CEO, Murray Wood, said the plant is a game-changer. “This new capability to reuse treated effluent as a new raw water source will be a legacy well beyond the construction pulse of activity,” he said. “In the short term, the ability to provide raw water for construction reduces the demand on other water sources in the landscape of the Renewable Energy Zone. Being positive and proactive as to the opportunities the energy transition presents for our community lets us do great things.” Regional Economic Development Manager Bart Sykes added that the impact extends well beyond infrastructure. “Effectively, the 700 megalitre capacity per year droughtproofs our community. It will keep our sporting green spaces alive and ensure endangered animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo never run out of water. It’s also sparked important conversations about how we can work together on other priorities like roads, education and housing.”
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