At Transgrid, we are committed to supporting communities within our project footprint. We strive to create tangible benefits for energy consumers, our communities, and the environment as part of our commitment to building a sustainable clean energy future. Through the Community Investments and Benefits Program, we aim to address identified impacts and deliver meaningful social outcomes and benefits

If you have a community investment project or initiative, submit an EOI. Submissions close on Sunday, 27 July 2025.

Community Investment and Benefits Program

Do you have an idea that could make a lasting difference in your area?

The HumeLink Community Investment and Benefits Program is designed to ensure local communities share in the positive outcomes of the project through targeted funding and support. This means working with the local community and stakeholders to identify and support projects that deliver enduring and tangible benefits. This could include investment in social infrastructure, cultural projects, environmental restoration, local services or other community-led initiatives.

The program is guided by ongoing engagement to ensure it reflects community priorities and creates a lasting positive impact beyond the construction of HumeLink.

Funding and budget

Transgrid is committed to ensuring HumeLink’s community benefits and investment initiatives meet the needs of a broad cross-section of the communities in which we are building infrastructure.

Our two delivery partners, HumeLink East and HumeLink West each have up to $2 million available ($4 million total) to support community investment initiatives.

The selected projects will be delivered by the HumeLink project, and budgets will be reviewed accordingly. As a regulated business, all Transgrid projects, including HumeLink, are subject to determination by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) under the National Electricity Rules. In light of this, all expenditures on HumeLink, including the Community Investment and Benefits Program, must demonstrate prudency and efficiency throughout the delivery process.

Project eligibility criteria

All nominated community investment projects must provide reasonable evidence of its lasting and tangible benefit to the local and regional communities within and/or near the project footprint.

Projects will be reviewed against the eligibility criteria listed below.

  • Expression of Interest form completed in full
  • Within the maximum funding limits and includes an estimated cost breakdown
  • Connection to one or more of the project priority areas, including anticipated impacts and outcomes
  • Benefit at least one of the local government areas within the HumeLink project footprint:
    • Snowy Valleys
    • Wagga Wagga
    • Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional
    • Upper Lachlan Shire
    • Yass Valley
    • Goulburn Mulwaree
  • Clear pathway that permits project delivery
  • Robust strategy for project transition and sustainability when HumeLink investment is completed
  • Ability to be delivered in full or part, in line with conclusion of project
  • Not for religious, political or sectarian purposes
  • Not involve retrospective costs

Eligible projects will be shortlisted and progressed to the ‘Present’ stage. The broader community will be invited to review and prioritise the shortlisted projects in line with the project priority areas.

Process stages

Shortlisted projects are encouraged to present to Transgrid, HumeLink Delivery Partners and the local community and stakeholders on one of the following dates:

  • Tuesday 26 August, Batlow, Batlow Literary Institute, 6:00pm
  • Wednesday 27 August, Tumut, Valmar Support Services, 6:00pm
  • Thursday 28 August, Tarcutta, Tarcutta Memorial Hall, 6:00pm
  • Tuesday 2 September, Gundagai, Gundagai Services Club, 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 3 September, Yass, Yass High School, 5:00pm
  • Thursday 4 September, Crookwell, Crookwell Services Club, 5:00pm

More information about these sessions will be released closer to the date. 

How to nominate a project

To nominate a project, submit your Expression Of Interest with project details, expected outcomes and budget information. Applicants can apply separately for multiple projects. Each project will be assessed individually.

Successful applications move to the 'Prioritise Stage', where local voices help determine which projects receive funding.

Applications are open from 16 June 2025 to 27 July 2025.

Support and resources

Grant writing Workshops

Join us at one of our upcoming workshops to learn valuable techniques and strategies for successful grant applications. Our workshops provide hands-on experience and personalised guidance from an expert in the field.

 

Location

Date

Time

Online session

Monday, July 14, 2025

6:00 PM - 7:00PM

 

We will also be hosting an online workshop.

Complete the registration form to reserve your spot today!

Fact sheet

Connect with us

To discuss your application or other aspects of the HumeLink Community Investment and Benefits Program, reach out to the project team on 1800 317 367 or humelink@transgrid.com.au.