Media Release: The Pines Wind Farm to deliver long-term affordable housing for Oberon

Landmark partnership between TagEnergy and BlueCHP will deliver a minimum of 100 beds in Australia's first renewable-led new-build affordable housing development

TagEnergy has established a partnership with tier-one community housing provider BlueCHP to create a permanent affordable housing legacy in Oberon, linking major clean energy investment with long-term social infrastructure for the community.

The Pines Wind Farm Affordable Housing Project is expected to deliver a minimum of 100 affordable housing beds, responding directly to the housing pressures identified in Oberon Council's Draft Housing Strategy and supporting the town's future growth and liveability.

Across Australia, communities are concerned about housing pressures and seeking practical and innovative solutions. The Pines Wind Farm partnership commits to delivering new-build homes that will operate as permanent affordable housing.

The first step in what will be a comprehensive workforce accommodation program that does not burden the community, the homes will initially accommodate approximately 20 per cent of The Pines Wind Farm's construction workforce. Following construction, the dwellings will transition to affordable housing managed by BlueCHP for the benefit of the Oberon community. The Pines Wind Farm will contribute capital and ongoing funding to subsidise the delivery and long-term affordability of the homes, ensuring they remain accessible to those who need them most.

BlueCHP, a tier-one not-for-profit community housing provider with specialist development expertise, will develop, own and operate the homes under its established build-to-rent model, providing professional long-term management and governance. TagEnergy Managing Partner - Australia, Andrew Riggs, said the project reflects a broader shift in how renewable energy developments share benefits with regional communities. "Across the industry, we recognise that renewable projects must do more than generate electricity. They must respond to the needs of the communities that host them," he said.

"This partnership puts that principle into action. Working with an experienced community housing provider, we're building long-term housing supply into the legacy of The Pines Wind Farm, an initiative than has the potential to be extended across other TagEnergy projects."

Stromlo Energy Director, Matthew Parton, said the project has been designed to align closely with Oberon Council's housing strategy and local priorities.

"We have worked to ensure this project complements Council's Draft Housing Strategy and responds to the clear need for high-quality affordable housing in Oberon," he said.

"By collaborating with Council and BlueCHP from the outset, we are focused on increasing access to permanent affordable homes and making a lasting contribution to the town's long-term liveability."

BlueCHP Chief Executive, Charles Northcote, said "BlueCHP is very excited to bring its expertise to deliver and manage this project, making a long-term difference to the Oberon community. We are proud to partner with TagEnergy on a truly innovative model to provide affordable housing to local communities who need it most."

The partnership is at the beginning of a collaborative planning process. Land identification, final housing mix and locations will be determined in consultation with Oberon Council and informed by community engagement. Construction will commence straight after The Pines Wind Farm reaches Financial Close planned for late 2028 so homes are ready when the first workers arrive on-site.

The high-quality development is expected to include a mix of one and two-bedroom homes. The Pines Wind Farm Affordable Housing Project forms part of the project's broader commitment to delivering tangible social and economic benefits for the Oberon region.

Energy Infrastructure Commissioner welcomes commitment to more housing for Oberon

Energy Infrastructure Commissioner welcomes commitment to more housing for Oberon

Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar has welcomed the commitment from TagEnergy to partner with BlueCHP to deliver an affordable housing development as part of a renewable energy proposal in Oberon, NSW.

The issue of housing availability and affordability is a constant pressure point plaguing large parts of the Australian community. This pressure can be exacerbated when a renewable energy project is proposed for a community, resulting in further disruption and possible displacement for the community.

As Commissioner, I have met with many councils and communities across the country and housing availability and the negative impacts that can result from renewable energy developments is something that gets raised repeatedly.

"I welcome the commitment from TagEnergy and their partnership with community housing provider BlueCHP to build permanent affordable housing in Oberon. Done well, this will leave a long-term legacy and deliver a tangible benefit to the local community" Mr Mahar said.

Mr Mahar suggested that governments, energy developers and operators must work harder and more collaboratively to deliver tangible, practical and innovative solutions so the community can be sure that the load, but also the benefits, are being shared equally.

"For too long, some communities have felt like they are bearing a large proportion of the load when it comes to the energy shift. Measures such as investing in affordable housing, and more, must be part of the conversation going forward to make sure communities are better off as a result of the disruption and uncertainty many have faced," Mr Mahar said.

 "I look forward to the commitment from TagEnergy being an additional catalyst for a broader shift in the way renewable energy developments deliver long-term valuable benefits for regional communities."

About the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) is an independent non-statutory role helping to make the energy shift smoother and fairer. The Office responds to complaints, facilitates constructive direct dialogue on the issues raised, and advises on best practice for large-scale energy projects such as wind farms, solar farms, transmission lines and storage.

"Australia is facing a housing shortage at the same time we are building the new energy system.

"Projects like Tag Energy's show how the two challenges can be tackled together. Accommodation built for construction workers can become long term housing for local communities, creating a lasting benefit from renewable energy investment.

"Developing purpose-built accommodation that transitions into permanent homes is a practical way to ease housing pressure while leaving something valuable behind for the town long after construction is finished.

"We congratulate TagEnergy on this fantastic initiative and for demonstrating new and innovative ways to deliver legacy benefits for local host communities that will be felt beyond the life of the project."