Dubbo Regional Council has awarded the project management services for the Renewable Energy Awareness Career Training (REACT) Centre to local Dubbo business Lyons Project Management, following a competitive tender process.
EnergyCo Executive Director, Community and Land Outcomes Ash Albury, said the REACT Centre would play a key role in supporting access to jobs and training in the renewable energy sector across Central-West Orana. The centre will support locals who want to build careers in renewable energy, giving them access to targeted training and a pathway into an industry that’s already creating real jobs in the region.
“Across the recent community roadshows, residents emphasised that local job creation is one of the biggest benefits they expect to see from the Renewable Energy Zones. Having a local Dubbo business manage this project demonstrates our support for local businesses who will be critical to ensuring the success of this energy transition.
“I am very excited to see another big step taken in this important project. EnergyCo is pleased to support the REACT Centre and deliver legacy outcomes through the Community and Employment Benefit Program,” Ash Albury said.
Dubbo Regional Council Director Strategy Partnership and Engagement Jessica Brown said the tender process for project management of the REACT Centre was particularly competitive with 23 submissions in total.
“Lyons Project Management were evaluated against the criteria as the best choice based on their credentials and price and adopted by Council.”
“Next steps include an EOI for artwork which will be followed by a design tender for the REACT Centre, continuing to work towards seeing this landmark regional facility delivered in 2028,” Ms Brown said.
The REACT Centre project is a Council–led initiative in Wellington and positions the community to directly benefit from the energy transition through skills development, training infrastructure, and employment pathways.
“Securing this major project in our own backyard is especially important to our team at Lyons Project Management. We are passionate about regional growth, and this project allows us to contribute to meaningful local employment and lasting opportunities right here in our community,” Lyons Project Management Director, Katie Lyons said.
The REACT Centre project received an $11.24 million EnergyCo Community and Employment Benefit Program grant for legacy, Council-led projects. The grant is part of the NSW Government’s initial $128 million investment to share benefits with communities during the delivery of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
Industry partners Squadron Energy, ACEREZ, Lightsource bp and Tilt Renewables were key funding partners for the business case provided to EnergyCo’s REZ Legacy Infrastructure Fund.
