Ark Energy is a signatory to the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Projects, a commitment to engage respectfully with communities, be sensitive to environmental and cultural values, and make a positive contribution to the regions in which we operate.

Our community engagement activity is guided by the Charter, industry best practice and various industry guidelines including the NSW Department of Planning and Environment's Engagement Guidelines for State Significant Projects.

We recognise the importance of earning social licence for our projects, which has been defined for the renewable energy industry as a "level of acceptance or approval continually granted to an organisation's operations or project by the local community" (Boutilier and Thomson), and wherever practicable aim to incorporate community input to deliver improved project outcomes and lasting benefits.

The role of a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) is outlined in the Department of Planning and Environment's CCC information page and CCC Guidelines. Burrendong's CCC provides an important forum for discussion between the project team and the community, and helps to ensure local residents and stakeholders are:

• Kept informed of the status of the project
• Consulted on plans and proposed changes
• Able to provide feedback on any issues that may arise

The CCC is chaired by Garry West, and current members are:

• Heather Gough-Fuller, community member: 0407 953 728
• Jacqui Coates, community member: 0414 582 726
• James Mort, community member: 0427 733 501
• Justin Gard, community member
• Brenda Ainsworth, community member
• Bradley Bliss, stakeholder representative: 0427 321 016
• Chris Pilley, stakeholder representative: 0488 738 280
• Cr Sam Paine, Midwestern Regional Council representative

Garry can be contacted on garry.west@gbwconsulting.com.au or 0418 215 059. CCC presentations and meeting minutes are available below:

Ark Energy issues project update newsletters in both mail and email formats. To sign up for email newsletters register here. To receive newsletters by mail please email the project team with your name, postal address and a request to be added to the mailing list.

Download copies of previous updates via the links below.

Input from community members is welcome and valued.

Local information sessions during the planning process will give members of the community an opportunity to discuss the proposal with the project team. Questions and comments can be emailed to the project team.