Bridge Energy Announces Long Term Commitments to Community, Workforce and First Nations Participation for the Ebor Battery Energy Storage System

Bridge Energy has established a comprehensive suite of long-term commitments to the community of Ebor and the broader Armidale Local Government Area (LGA). These commitments form the foundation of a robust social licence framework designed to ensure the Ebor Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) delivers social and economic benefits throughout the full life of the project.

The framework focuses on workforce development, local procurement, First Nations participation, new infrastructure and education and training pathways. Together, these initiatives are intended to embed the project within the region, ensuring that benefits extend beyond the construction phase and continue into operations.

Delivering Long-Term Value to Community Development

A cornerstone of the Ebor BESS community commitments is an annual contribution of at least $90,300 (2025 dollars, escalating annually with CPI) to the New England Future Fund for the life of the project. This represents a minimum of $2,257,500 (in 2025 dollars) to be invested directly for the benefit of the Armidale LGA community.

The New England Future Fund will be administered by Armidale Regional Council. Renewable energy projects across the region will contribute to the fund, with investment returns used by Council to deliver local amenity and community development initiatives throughout the Armidale LGA.

By pooling and investing contributions from multiple projects over the long term, the New England Future Fund is intended by Council to create a legacy for the region. It will ensure the economic benefits generated by Ebor BESS and other energy projects continue to support community wellbeing, resilience and growth for generations, long after construction has concluded.

Tangible Outcomes for the Ebor Community

In addition to the project’s commitment to the New England Future Fund, the Ebor BESS will deliver direct financial support to three Ebor community projects prior to 1 July 2028:

1. Installation of an electric vehicle charger in Ebor Village ($150,000).

2. Amenity upgrades to the Ebor Town Hall ($25,000).

3. Upgrades to Ebor Sportsground Announcer Box ($25,000).

In 2026, the Ebor BESS will also sponsor the annual Ebor Campdrafting event with a contribution of $5,000.

These initiatives have been selected based on feedback and suggestions from the local Ebor community and are intended to deliver practical improvements to local infrastructure and community life. They reflect Bridge Energy’s commitment to responding directly to community priorities and ensuring that project benefits are tangible, locally relevant and enduring.

Education and Skills Building for Local Residents

Once operational, the project will partner with Armidale TAFE to deliver training programs for up to 10 participants. Courses under consideration include:

• Diploma of Project Management;

• Certificate IV in Leadership and Management;

• Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management;

• Certificate III in Civil Construction; and

• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.

Ebor BESS aims to strengthen local employment readiness and build long-term capability within the energy and infrastructure sectors by sponsoring these courses.

The project is also partnering with the University of New England to provide two full scholarships for local First Nations students, ensuring accredited, transferrable skills are developed in the region. 

Supporting Regional Industry Through Local Procurement

The project’s procurement strategy will prioritise local and regional suppliers to maximise economic benefit. Key targets include approximately:

• $89 million in local goods and services during development and construction;

• $35 million in local spending during operations and maintenance; and

• 95% of project steel sourced from Australian suppliers for project construction activities.

Workforce Inclusion and Development Targets

Inclusive workforce targets have been set for the total project workforce as follows:

• 20% of the workforce to be Learning Workers.

• 15% drawn from underrepresented groups.

• 20% of all trades roles filled by apprentices.

These targets will be supported by tailored training, mentoring, and career progression pathways for local workers and students.

First Nations Participation and Engagement

The Social Licence framework includes commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation as follows:

• 1.0% of total project value to be spent with First Nations businesses.

• 3.5% of the total construction workforce to be comprised of First Nations individuals.

• Two full University of New England scholarships for locally based First Nations students.

These initiatives reflect Bridge Energy’s commitment to respectful engagement and inclusive economic participation, delivering lasting benefits for First Nations communities through procurement, employment and education pathways while fostering long-term partnerships based on mutual respect.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Bridge Energy is committed to setting a high standard for genuine and enduring community engagement within the energy sector. By integrating these commitments into the project from the outset, Ebor BESS is being developed in a way that enables the Ebor and broader Armidale LGA communities to play an active role in the project’s delivery and long-term success, rather than simply benefiting from its outcomes.

All media enquiries contact: Peter Craig: +61 409 982 229 peter.craig@bridgeenergy.com.au