The idea began in late 2014 when a handful of Goulburn residents convened around kitchen tables to discuss creating local clean electricity. They formed Community Energy for Goulburn (CE4G), a volunteer sub‑committee that later registered as the Goulburn Community Energy Cooperative through the NSW Department of Fair Trading. In that structure, every member—whether they invested $400 or $4,000—holds a single vote, ensuring financial power does not dictate control.
Fraser, CE4G president, said the cooperative’s first step was door‑to‑door outreach to explain the concept and address concerns. The campaign met no objections, a fact that eased the path to securing an unused industrial plot along the Sydney–Canberra railway corridor. The site’s proximity to a 33 kV line meant grid connection would be straightforward, while its visible location offered a public showcase.
The 1.4‑MW plant and 4‑MWh battery, capable of powering roughly 500 homes, were built on the 1.6‑hectare plot. Construction relied on local contractors and suppliers, keeping most of the economic benefit within the town. Parliamentary Secretary David Mehan MP praised the project, noting that about 80 % of profits will remain in Goulburn.
Progress was hampered by a series of setbacks: global supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, higher material costs, and lengthy council and network owner reviews. Because the project sits inside the Sydney water catchment area, Sydney Water demanded extensive landscaping to protect the catchment, adding extra work before construction could begin. A surprise tax liability on the grant money forced the cooperative to pay before the farm could earn revenue, a complication the developers had not anticipated.
Komo Energy, the specialist developer, remained involved for more than eight years, guiding the cooperative through regulatory hurdles and financing challenges. BCCM Chief Executive Melina Morrison lauded the volunteers’ perseverance, saying they had turned a simple idea into a tangible energy asset that could inspire other regional communities. The cooperative now plans to explore additional renewable projects, maintaining its status as an incorporated association.
The facility will feed surplus power into the local grid during peak demand, leveraging the battery to smooth output and reduce reliance on intermittent sources. With the project’s official opening in 2026, Goulburn has established a blueprint for community‑owned renewable infrastructure that keeps profits local and empowers residents.