SPRING 2025 Mid-Western Living | 29 Housing That Gives Back Recognising the acute housing shortage across the region, Squadron and Council have also collaborated on a number of worker accommodation initiatives. This includes the transformation of the former Bellhaven Aged Care Facility into a 32-bed accommodation site for renewable energy workers – a move that eases pressure on Wellington’s housing market while returning an unused asset to productive community use. Planning is also underway for a 10-hectare precinct at Keswick Estate, designed to temporarily accommodate up to 400 workers during peak construction. Once the project concludes, the site will transition into zoned residential land for future development – a long-term win for the community. Growing Local Skills for a Clean Energy Future As the region prepares for growth in the renewable energy sector, workforce development has become a key focus. Through its partnership with Council, Squadron Energy helped seed the creation of REACT – the Renewable Energy Awareness and Career Training Centre in Wellington. This project recently secured $11.25 million in federal funding and will provide targeted education and training opportunities for local youth, First Nations peoples, and underrepresented groups. Each of these initiatives was shaped through regular planning meetings, transparent communication, and clearly defined responsibilities. According to McDonald, “The collaboration doesn’t end once the wastewater plant project is complete. We will continue to work closely and collaboratively with the community, Councils and other agencies to support initiatives with long-term benefits while our projects are being developed, constructed and operated.” ___ Learn more at: squadronenergy.com More Than a Project – A Model for Progress Murray Wood believes this level of partnership sets a new standard in how infrastructure and renewable energy development can intersect. “Dubbo Council has of course recognised drought and water scarcity as critical challenges for our local community, particularly as our population and industries continue to grow. With Squadron Energy’s support, we were able to workshop a solution that was going to work for everyone in our community. We turned our challenges into practical solutions, determined a project plan, and made it a reality through this partnership funding approach.” With other regional councils now watching the model with interest, the Squadron–Dubbo collaboration proves that early engagement and shared intent can turn complex regional challenges into meaningful legacy projects. As Sykes reflects, “These projects have built a foundation of trust and transparency that will generate ideas and outcomes long after the construction phase ends. It’s a proud moment – and just the beginning of what’s possible.”
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