Rural Australian communities are hosting the clean energy boom. Are they getting a fair say?
Backlash doesn’t mean communities are rejecting the clean energy transition. Many are asking for fairer benefits, and a bigger say in what the future looks like.
Australia's shift towards clean energy is taking place rapidly, with rural regions playing a significant role in hosting wind farms, solar panels, and transmission lines. These projects, promised to deliver economic benefits, are often situated hundreds of kilometers away from the cities they power. However, the transition presents challenges for small communities, who must navigate the complex landscape of new developments and associated impacts.
As Victoria prepares for an upcoming state election, tensions are evident among local councils and the state government regarding key decisions. Changes in planning laws and community backlash have raised questions about the level of influence rural communities have over their economic future. The potential for large-scale investment in clean energy projects, estimated at $106 billion by 2050, is attracting both support and opposition.
While some communities, like those in north-west Victoria, are actively working with developers and government agencies to shape their own energy future, others are voicing strong opposition to specific projects. For instance, the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West transmission project in north-west Victoria has faced vocal opposition from farmers, while a proposed renewable energy zone around Dookie in the north of the state was recently abandoned due to intense community backlash.
Research conducted by the Australian Public Policy Institute, of which I was a co-author, highlights the concerns of rural communities impacted by renewable energy development. The study, which involved workshops and interviews with stakeholders in three towns in regional NSW, found that affected communities generally support the transition to clean energy.
However, key concerns, such as inconsistent and inadequate community consultation, lack of transparency, and perceived inequitable benefit-sharing arrangements, are delaying the process and undermining the long-term energy transition.
To address these challenges, the study suggests four key changes for governments and industry. First, minimum, enforceable engagement standards should be required for all major energy projects, prioritising transparency, accountability, and trust. Second, governments should collaborate with communities to develop a framework for sharing benefits, which should be embedded in planning regulations.
Third, support and resources should be provided to help communities negotiate how project benefits are shared. Lastly, planning processes and governance should adopt a place-based approach to ensure that local needs and concerns are adequately considered.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
