Wongalea BESS

The Wongalea BESS project is progressing through the NSW State Significant Development (SSD) approval process. Following submission of the Scoping Report, the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) were issued in June 2025. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently under preparation, with submission targeted for the beginning of next year. Technical studies including noise, biodiversity, bushfire risk, traffic, and visual impact are underway in accordance with the SEARs and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Eku Energy are committed to transparent, open and proactive consultation with First Nations, local stakeholders and the broader community.

We are engaging with Armidale Regional Council, local stakeholders and community members to share information about the proposed project.

Eku Energy maintains strong commitments to engagement, consultation and benefits sharing with First Nations people. In line with the delivery of our ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan. These initiatives will include meaningfully engaging and consulting with the Anaiwan people and groups of the New England Region; commitments to identifying and establishing partnership opportunities for the supply of services or goods in support of the proposed project; delivering a benefits sharing scheme that provide long-lasting and positive impacts for the First Nations community.

Eku Energy will establish a community grants program to support local not-for profits and fund projects or initiatives of importance and value to the broader community. We welcome the community’s input on the scope and priorities for these social investment, which could align with the values of having a positive impact on the environment, social connectedness as well as employment and education. We welcome ongoing suggestions on ways that Wongalea BESS can share benefits with the community.

In due course, Eku Energy will invite eligible local non-for profits and community organisations to contribute to the program design by getting in touch and applying via the project website.