A change is coming to Port Fairy

Thanks to a Pacific Hydro Sustainable Communities Fund grant the 'See Change in Port Fairy' campaign has received a boost of $10,000 alongside 10 other community groups and organisations surrounding the Codrington and Yambuk Wind Farms.

The 'See Change in Port Fairy' Project has been driven by the community to reduce the use of plastic bags and raise awareness of protecting the environment.

Coordinator of the project, Genevieve Grant says the project is building momentum. "The project has excellent community and local trader support, but without this funding, we would have been pushed to get the project off the ground."

"A large number of people in the community have been involved in getting this project up and running" said Ms Grant.

"Local school children have designed the bags and the traders have been helping to drive the project forward."

Lane Crockett, Pacific Hydro's General Manager Australia/Pacific, who today was in Port Fairy to present cheques to the successful applicants, said "This is a fantastic initiative from the local community, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and the environment. We're very proud to be able to support this project along with a range of other initiatives in the communities that surround the Codrington and Yambuk wind farms."

"Supporting projects that promote sustainability and encourage the entire community to become involved is an integral part of the Sustainable Communities Fund", explained Mr Crockett.

Other projects receiving funding in 2008 include local Festivals; the Tarerer Festival, Moyneyana Festival and Winter Weekends in Port Fairy, all of which were all initiated by the local community to promote the region in a positive way and encourage local community engagement.

"Pacific Hydro is very proud to be working in the Codrington and Yambuk area supporting community organisations that together are creating such positive outcomes for the whole community." said Mr Crockett.

Pacific Hydro's Sustainable Communities Fund is based on a portion of revenue from the Codrington and Yambuk Wind Farms and is available for the life of projects. Since the Wind Farms opened Pacific Hydro has been able to inject over $180,000 into 39 local community groups and organisations.

While it is never possible to fund all requests, Pacific Hydro aims to fund projects that have been identified as community priorities, in line with the Fund guidelines.

Pacific Hydro's Sustainable Communities Fund

Successful applicants list 2008 - Codrington/Yambuk Community:

Port Fairy Tourist Association - Winter Weekends in Port Fairy, The Belfast Aquatic and Exercise Program - $5000
Moyneyana Festival Inc - Moyneyana Festival, CBD Live, featuring 'go green on the green' - $5000
Tarerer Gunditj Project Association - Tarerer Festival 2008 - $10,000
Orford & District Table Tennis Association - Equipment upgrade - $1000
Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club - Training facility establishment - $4688
See Change in Port Fairy Committee c/- St Patrick's Primary School - See Change in Port Fairy campaign - $10,000
Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail inc - Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail - $3350
Port Fairy State Emergency Service - Purchase of a marquee - $2275
Port Fairy Cycling Club - Pacific Hydro Victorian 100km cycling championships - $5000
Yambuk Cricket Club - Funds to purchase an honour board - $2000
Port Fairy Community Group - Port Fairy Community Group Outdoor Classroom, computer equipment purchase - $2500