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.
Community Investment and Benefits Program
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.
Shortlisted projects
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional
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Goulburn Mulwaree
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Snowy Valleys
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Upper Lachlan
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Wagga Wagga
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Yass Valley
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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
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
Process stages
What's next?
The community prioritisation survey closed on 5 October 2025.
A panel from Transgrid and its delivery partners are assessing the shortlisted initiatives following the community feedback.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
About the program
What is the HumeLink Community Investment and Benefits Program?
The program is part of Transgrid’s commitment to delivering lasting, meaningful benefits to communities within and around the HumeLink project footprint. It provides funding for local initiatives that reflect community needs, values, and priorities.
Who was eligible to apply?
What kinds of projects were eligible?
Projects must deliver long-term social, environmental, or economic benefits to the local community. Examples may include cultural programs, environmental restoration, community infrastructure, educational initiatives, or capacity-building activities.
Funding and eligibility
How much funding is available?
A total of $3.8 million is available:
- $1.8 million for HumeLink East
- $2 million for HumeLink West
Why does HumeLink East have less funding than HumeLink West?
HumeLink East asked Transgrid if they could expedite a portion of funding to provide support to the development of the Community University Centre in Tumut.
What is the minimum amount I can apply for?
For HumeLink East: minimum of $20,000.
For HumeLink West: minimum of $200,000.
Is there a maximum allocation?
The maximum would be the available allocation for each project, i.e. $1.8 million for HumeLink East and for HumeLink West, a maximum of $1.3 million for initiatives in the Snowy Valleys Local government area and a maximum of $700,000 for initiatives in the Wagga Wagga local government area. Projects must represent value for money and align with program priorities. The overall program budget and number of applications will influence final allocations.
Application process
What are the priority areas for funding?
- Community connection – Addresses social isolation, mental health and improved regional connectivity.
- Care for Country – Encompasses environmental initiatives and HumeLink’s commitment to reconciliation with First Nations people and their enduring connection to Country.
- Local education and skills development – Addresses local education and skills development, supporting local communities and economies, including investment in development of transmission workforce.
- Local industry development – Includes collaboration with HumeLink delivery partners on strategies which aim to identify and support the capacity and capability of local and regional businesses.
- Social legacy initiatives – Supports opportunities to promote community benefit beyond the lifecycle of the HumeLink project.
Assessment and delivery
How are projects selected?
After EOIs were assessed for eligibility, a shortlist was created. Shortlisting criteria included:
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Temporary impacts |
Consideration of proximity to: Workers accommodation, laydown areas, water supply points, construction sites and the associated disruption caused by these activities |
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Permanent impacts |
Consideration of the number of towers, locations of substations and length of line in and around location of initiative/project |
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Tangible Social/Economic Benefit |
Demonstrates benefit to the community relative to the funding requested, with consideration of alignment to CIBP priorities (prudency) |
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Planning and approvals |
Consideration of development approvals, timing, resourcing, project planning (efficiency) |
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Project transition |
Includes consideration of ongoing costs, maintenance and long-term sustainability/viability of project/initiative |
Communities will then help prioritise the shortlisted projects based on local needs and alignment with the program’s objectives. Final decisions will consider community need, sustainability, cost and benefit.
Can the community have a say in which projects are funded?
Yes. Community members will be invited to participate in an online prioritisation survey that was supported by a series of drop-in sessions held in mid-September.
Will there be reminders about the survey?
Yes. Transgrid will send out reminders with the survey link and encourage groups to share the link within their networks.
How much weight does community feedback have?
Community feedback is an important part of the assessment. While it is not the only factor, it helps shape local priorities and will be carefully weighed by the panel alongside program requirements.
Will shortlisted community groups receive feedback?
Yes. At the conclusion of the process, shortlisted applicants will receive feedback, including how community input was considered, and the reasons initiatives were or were not funded.
Will a dedicated grant manager or liaison be available to support funded organisations throughout the project?
Both HumeLink East and West have dedicated Community Investment and Benefits staff who will be supporting awarded organisations through the life of the project, to the end of construction. They will be available to support in the development of your program; help you develop your reporting indicators and provide general support and advice where necessary.
Will there be an initial period to allow for project setup before full implementation begins?
Yes, The Community Investment and Benefits Leads will work with each organisation through this process and act as the liaison between awarded applicants and HumeLink East and HumeLink West.
Can funding be used for both capital purchases and service activities?
Yes.
Is the funding opportunity expected to have multiple rounds or future calls for applications?
No.
How will funding be distributed across LGAs?
Funding will not be equally divided by LGA or based only on population. Distribution will depend on:
- The quality and eligibility of applications.
- Community support for each initiative.
- The need for fair outcomes across communities.
Please note being shortlisted does not guarantee funding. Some initiatives may need further discussions around scope or funding levels before final decisions are made.
Support and resources
HumeLink Community Investment And Benefits Program Fact Sheet (July 2025)
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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.