Origin finalises $5m payment for new Jerilderie medical centre

Origin today finalised payment of $5m to Murrumbidgee Council, paving the way for the development of the new Jerilderie medical centre.

The funds form part of the Yanco Delta Wind Farm Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA), and became payable after Origin’s Yanco Delta Wind Farm secured transmission access rights from EnergyCo in April 2025. A separate VPA will see a further $5 million paid to Edward River Council when the Yanco Delta project reaches a Final Investment Decision.

Speaking during a cheque presentation with Murrumbidgee mayor Cr Ruth McRae, Origin’s head of approvals, access & social advocacy Lauren Barnaby said, “Our Yanco Delta Wind Farm will not only supply renewable energy for homes and businesses in NSW, we also expect to make a substantial financial contribution to the region through our community benefits program.

“For over a decade, Origin has proudly supported NSW communities through community investment programs and I’m delighted our latest contribution will be used by Council on such an important piece of infrastructure to support community health and wellbeing.

“Voluntary contributions totalling $31 million over the life of the Yanco Delta Wind Farm will be directed towards neighbourhood, community and indigenous investment programs, as well as a program of regional strategic partnerships.

“This is on top of regulated contributions like VPAs struck with Murrumbidgee and Edward River Councils and access fees paid to EnergyCo’s Community and Employment Benefit Program, which complement significant job and economic stimulus created during construction and operations,” Ms Barnaby said.

The neighbourhood benefits will form the largest element of the broader Yanco Delta Wind Farm community benefits program, providing those closest to the project area with an opportunity to access a range of Origin’s products and services. The bulk of monies committed as part of the community benefits program will be spent over the life of the project after it reaches a Final Investment Decision (FID) in the middle of the 2027 financial year.

Origin Energy’s 1.5GW Yanco Delta Wind Farm development project is located on a 33,000-hectare site 10 kms north-west of Jerilderie in the NSW Government-designated Southwest Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).