Transformative new medical centre one step closer for Jerilderie ​

Published on 13 May 2024

Transformative new medical centre one step closer for Jerilderie

Murrumbidgee Council, together with Origin Energy (Origin), are thrilled to announce Jerilderie’s proposed new medical centre is a significant step closer to becoming a reality.

This exciting project will be made possible thanks to a generous Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) contribution of $5 million from Origin who is developing the Yanco Delta Wind and Energy Storage project.

Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae said the council is delighted to partner with Origin to bring this transformative project to Jerilderie and the surrounding area.

According to Cr McRae, this a significant milestone in the council’s ongoing efforts to meet the area’s evolving health needs and ensure health services are ongoing and accessible to all.

“When complete, the new medical centre will provide medical and allied health services, dental care and minor procedures,” she said.

“With the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas, this new facility will be essential in attracting and retaining medical professionals in the Jerilderie area. It will enhance the health services we currently have and empower the local community,” Cr McRae said.

Origin’s Head of Social Performance Jim Belford thanked Council and the project’s previous owners Virya for their work in establishing the VPA.

“We welcome Council’s decision to approve the Yanco Delta Wind Farm Voluntary Planning Agreement which will contribute $5m to develop a new medical facility for Jerilderie. As the new owners of the Yanco Delta Wind Farm, Origin looks forward to building on the good work of the project’s previous owner and working closely with Council and the local community to deliver this important piece of community infrastructure.

“Origin will also work with council and other local stakeholders as we develop a separate community investment program which will ensure the benefits flowing from the Yanco Delta project are shared with the broader community,” Mr Belford said.

The timeline for the project has not been finalised at this stage.

Virya Energy received conditional consent for the wind farm project from the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Places on 21 December 2023. On 12 April Origin announced it had entered an agreement to acquire the Yanco Delta project from Virya. 

As part of the conditional consent, the project’s owner is required to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement with local councils and subsequently make a monetary contribution for a public purpose such as infrastructure.

About Yanco Delta Wind Farm

Yanco Delta Wind Farm, will be located north-west of Jerilderie. When complete, it will be one of the largest on-shore wind and energy storage developments in the country.

Connecting to the Dinawan Substation, it is envisaged the project will produce power for around 750,000 households and avoid up to 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

The project is also located within the Edward River Local Government Area.

ENDS

Media enquiries:

• Murrumbidgee Council: Anne Lyons, Media & Communications, M 0418 294 010 or annel@murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au
• Origin Energy: Paul Duboudin, Senior Corporate Affairs Manager, M 0429 444 308