A new community engagement and discovery hub has officially opened at Wagga Wagga.
The Transgrid Discovery Hub is designed to provide an engaging and inviting space for community members, landowners, and businesses to understand more about the transition to renewable energy and Transgrid’s major projects including EnergyConnect, HumeLink and VNI West, which are centred in the Riverina.
Transgrid Chief Executive Officer, Brett Redman, said, “Wagga Wagga is at the heart of our renewable energy transformation and we want to make a positive difference and provide tangible and enduring benefits to the local community.
“This new hub, which is the only one of its kind on our vast network, will transform the way we engage with regional communities as we plan and build the critical transmission infrastructure needed to support Australia’s clean energy transition.
“Transgrid is proud to open this new gateway to our organisation, cementing the Riverina’s critical role in enabling our renewable energy future and ensuring the local community seizes the many social and economic benefits it brings.”
The new hub comprises:
- A one-stop shop for visitors to engage with Transgrid and access information about its energy vision, major projects, employment and training opportunities, operations, and community-based activities
- Facilities for use by community groups for meetings, workshops, and conferences
- A discovery space for school students to explore power generation, electricity transmission, the transition to renewables, and careers in the energy sector through visual and interactive experiences
- A yarning circle to provide a culturally appropriate space to ensure recognition and active inclusion of First Nations people and acknowledge presence on Wiradjuri Country
- An electric vehicle charging station and a solar-powered Wi-Fi and mobile phone/device charging bench for use by the local community during business hours
“This exciting new hub will provide fun and interactive educational experiences for school students, a permanent engagement location for landowners, opportunities for local businesses to secure supply contracts, and quality facilities for use by community members and not-for-profit groups.
“I encourage everyone to make the most of this fantastic new community asset and visit the Transgrid Discovery Hub today,” Mr Redman said.
Transgrid said construction of the Transgrid Discovery Hub has provided a significant boost to local businesses.
“We have used all local businesses and suppliers for the design and construction of the new facility as part of our commitment to invest locally and deliver this facility for Wagga, by Wagga,” Mr Redman said.
“Construction and fitout of the hub has involved more than 30 local businesses and 90 workers, and we are delighted to have worked with them to bring our vision for the Transgrid Discovery Hub to a reality.”
Local companies that helped deliver the facility include principal contractor Balding Constructions, as well as Sewell Design, Adaptive Interiors, Sunday Collective, Cooletrics, Riverina Plaster Works, Steve Mosely Electrical, Dunns Plumbing, Wollundry Landscapes, Shaun Bradley Painting, Tim Ward Painting, Signarama and Inspired Kitchens and Joinery.
Featured image: The Transgrid Discovery Hub open day. Courtesy of Transgrid.
