The Clarke Creek Pony Club has been a cornerstone of community life in the region, bringing riders and families together. It is also one of more than 70 local organisations and initiatives supported by Squadron Energy’s Clarke Creek Wind Farm.
The wind farm has consistently sponsored the club’s major events, helping develop young riders and grow participation.
The pony club’s success story forms part of Clarke Creek Wind Farm’s recent community investment milestone, with the project surpassing $1 million in support for local communities.
This milestone has been driven by a broad range of sponsorships, grants and scholarships, with investment continuing across the region.
Since 2022, $1.29 million has been invested in the community; more than 70 organisations and initiatives have received support, while 30 local students have been granted scholarships worth nearly $200,000.
Squadron Energy Head of Community and Regional Development Jessica Kite said the investment milestone was a major highlight for Squadron Energy.
“We’re incredibly proud to have invested more than $1 million into local communities since 2022, supporting everything from grassroots organisations and community events through to education opportunities for local students,” Ms Kite said.
“What makes this milestone particularly meaningful is seeing the direct impact these contributions are having on our local community, whether it’s helping community groups deliver important projects, supporting young people to pursue their studies or providing practical cost-of-living relief for households.
“We’re committed to continuing to work alongside the community and ensuring the benefits of Clarke Creek Wind Farm are felt for many years to come.”
Clarke Creek Pony Club Treasurer Meghan Speed highlighted how Squadron’s ongoing support had played a significant role in the growth of the club.
“Squadron has consistently supported every initiative and idea we have presented for our community events,” Ms Speed said.
“Their sponsorship process is straightforward, and their ability to make timely decisions makes them an approachable and reliable partner for community organisations seeking support.
“Over the past three years, the Clarke Creek Pony Club has delivered three major events, all of which have been proudly supported by Squadron.
“Their ongoing commitment has enabled us to invest in the development of our young riders, resulting in our membership more than doubling over the past three and a half years.
“We are now able to engage experienced external instructors to further develop our members’ skills, while also progressively upgrading our equipment to ensure we continue to provide a safe, high-quality environment for our riders. Their investment has played a significant role in the growth and success of our club.”
Marlborough P&C, Marlborough Public Hall and Show committees representative Chloe Atkinson praised Clarke Creek Wind Farm for the investment milestone.
“Squadron has injected much needed funds into our local communities,” Ms Atkinson said.
“This money has helped our community groups move forward with projects to upgrade infrastructure and improve facilities that would have otherwise been out of financial reach for our small not-for-profit groups.
“We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to improving and supporting the local area.”
During the construction of Clarke Creek Wind Farm, 29 Central Queensland businesses were engaged and more than $500 million was invested in local suppliers and businesses.
Clarke Creek Wind Farm continues to support the region through its annual Community Benefit Fund, which provides $200,000 each year for the life of the project.