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PROJECT Stakeholders

Suppliers, Industry and First Nations

The development, construction and operation of the Bannaby Project requires a workforce that is appropriately located and skilled to deliver the project safely and efficiently. The project is committed to ensuring local workforce training and participation in the project, together with local procurement targets. These commitments are intended to maximise local and regional economic benefits in a sustainable manner.

Currently, we anticipate a peak construction workforce of approximately 100 full-time equivalent workers, many of whom will be locally or regionally based. Specialist workforce, particularly for high- voltage electrical works will help install and commission project infrastructure.

Registrations of interest to participate as a supplier for the project will open in March 2026 together with further details about opportunities for training and local employment.

Local supply chain

Who
What
Why
When
Amount
Australian or New Zealand service providers
Procuring services or purchasing supplies
To ensure economic benefits are directed locally
During development and construction
During operations
30% of expenditure
65% of expenditure
Steel suppliers
Procuring local steel
To support local steel industry
During development and construction
95% of steel

The project has committed meet minimum of local content (measured as a percentage of all expenditure during development and construction) and a stretch goal of 80% local content (measured as a percentage of all expenditure during operations). These targets will be achieved by:

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  • 100% local procurement of foundations, logistics, installation, and commissioning services
  • 100% local procurement of roadworks and electrical works;
  • Procurement of BESS and other electrical equipment through Australian subsidiaries of global manufacturers.

Local supply chain innovation

Who
What
Why
When
Amount
Australian or New Zealand service providers
Procuring services or purchasing supplies
To ensure economic benefits are directed locally
During development and construction
$1,000,000
Regional economy
Support regional economic development
To contribute to regional economic development
During construction
$200,000
Workforce
Support and enhance readiness of local workforce
To maximise local workforce participation
During construction
During operations for 14 years
$50,000
$50,000
Local emergency services
Fire preparedness
To support fire preparedness.
During operations for 14 years
$500,000

Employment and workforce

Who
Comment
Before operations
After operations
Project workforce
Total number of hours worked on the project
240,000 hours
158,000 hours
Trade positions
Technicians and trade worker hours worked on the project
132,392 hours
138,320 hours
Learning workers
Workers either without qualifications or who need to update their qualifications
25% of total hours worked
23% of total hours worked
Under represented groups
Workers with characteristics defined in the Anti- Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), people who are long-term unemployed in addition to young people and women
25% of total hours worked
20% of total hours worked
Women
Workers who identify as women
30% of total hours worked
20% of total hours worked
Local Workers
Workers from NSW
70% of total hours worked
70% of total hours worked
Apprentices in Trades
People undertaking an approved apprenticeship
20% of total hours worked
15% of total hours worked
Women in Trades
Technicians and trade worker hours who identify as women
20% of total hours worked
20% of total hours worked
Local Trades
Workers from NSW who are appropriately qualified in a trade
70% of total hours worked
50% of total hours worked

First Nations

Who
What
Why
When
Amount
First Nations suppliers
Procure goods and services from accredited First Nations suppliers and service providers
To ensure First Nations Businesses1 receive economic benefit
During development and construction
During operations
1.02% of expenditure
0.47% of expenditure
First Nations workers
Support training and workforce development
Project workforce participation
To support worker upskilling
To ensure First Nations worker participation
During development and construction
During operations
During development and construction
During operations
$200,000
$150,000
3% of total hours worked

The project will implement the following strategies to achieve the targets for First Nations employment and workforce:

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  • Early engagement with local employment services and community organisations commencing 12 months before construction, including skills assessment, pre-employment training, and cultural mentor programs pairing First Nations employees with experienced supervisors;
  • A clean energy skills program covering battery storage systems, environmental management, and digital operations.
  • Work readiness initiatives to provide essential certifications, equipment and personal safety equipment provision, and driver licensing support; and
  • Identification of clear pathways from construction to operational roles over the 20-year project life, with leadership development and industry certification support for nationally recognised qualifications.

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The project will implement the following strategy to achieve procurement targets with First Nations businesses and suppliers:

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  • A minimum of 1.5% of total project value committed to First Nations businesses, with early contractor engagement and opportunity mapping commencing 18 months before construction; and
  • Business readiness support including tendering workshops and joint venture facilitation.
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Footnote [1] First Nations Businesses means a business that is at least 50 per cent Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-owned and is recognised as an Aboriginal business through an appropriate organisation, such as Supply Nation or the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.

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02
Sustainability

Sustainable procurement

The project embeds sustainability within the project lifecycle, through our procurement processes where evaluation of proposals favours suppliers (on an equitable basis) that can demonstrate:

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  • The minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions through low-emission production and energy efficient operations;
  • Implementation of water-saving technologies and initiatives through their operations;
  • Use of renewable and safe materials and resources while minimising use of non-renewable or hazardous inputs;
  • Demonstration of sustainability certification and accreditation such as ISO 14001;
  • Use of materials and goods that are durable, repairable and recyclable to maximise asset life and waste reduction;
  • Use of low emission materials or recycled content such as recycled steel and low carbon concrete; and
  • Design infrastructure that is adaptable, flexible and ensures it can be decommissioned, reused or adapted to future needs.
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Contact

Share Your Thoughts

BW ESS maintains a long-term commitment to the communities where we operate. We look forward to engaging with residents and stakeholders across the Upper Lachlan Shire region throughout the project's development and operation. Please feel free to reach out to us:

• Complete the form below with your comments
• Call the consultation team: 1800 810 680
• Email us: cominput@ghd.com

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