This submission to the 2026-27 NSW state budget focuses on the additional resources we believe are necessary to support the achievement of renewable energy generation, storage and transmission targets under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap (Roadmap), and the implementation of the Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and the NSW Renewable Energy Planning Framework.
A vital element in achieving the NSW renewable energy targets and the goal of net zero emissions, is the role of local government. While not a decision-making entity for state-significant developments, Councils are required to assess planning documentation and provide input and feedback to NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) - an incredibly and increasingly resource-intensive activity. They are also called on to provide high quality, independent information to local communities, and when they are able, play a role leveraging renewables investment into long-term positive outcomes for the region. This can include by building local skills and economic development and ensuring legacy community benefits are delivered. These requirements are putting strain on already under-resourced regional and rural NSW Councils, and Councils need to be better supported to deliver these activities.
Another major challenge facing the generation, storage and transmission elements of the shift to renewable energy is ensuring that regional infrastructure is adequate to support the planned development and cumulative impacts are addressed. A collaborative and coordinated approach between the NSW Government, developers, Councils and the communities they serve is needed, and the NSW Government must increase its investment to ensure this can be delivered.
This submission proposes a number of ways Councils and communities could be better supported to deliver sustainable long-term outcomes that allow regional NSW to thrive and prosper in the transition to a cleaner energy future. The elements of this proposal are:
- Increase funding and support to local Councils who are at the frontline of the shift to renewables.
- Provide additional funding to EnergyCo and other state government agencies to identify, prioritise and coordinate responses to ensure adequate regional infrastructure is delivered and the cumulative impacts outlined in the Regional Major Infrastructure Studies and elsewhere are addressed.
- Ensure landholders adjacent to transmission lines are compensated for any impacts.
- Provide leadership on reuse and recycling of renewables components and materials to ensure NSW is ready to manage renewables at the end of their life.
- Fund Local Energy Hubs, staffed by locals, as information-rich centres providing independent information for households, communities, businesses and developers to provide up-to-date information on local renewable energy projects.