The Renewable Energy Alliance (RE-Alliance) supports rural and regional leaders across Australia so they can lead the shift to renewable energy in their regions, on their community’s terms. When they are well equipped, rural and regional leaders are strongly positioned to navigate community concerns, facilitate cross-sector collaboration, maximise local outcomes and build trust with their communities, mitigating the spread of misinformation.
One of the ways we directly support leaders is through the Regional Leaders Network, a facilitated peer learning and connection network for rural and regional leaders experiencing large-scale renewable energy development in their region.
Members include people from:
- Local Government, including officers working in economic and regional development, General Managers, and elected representatives
- Regional development organisations
- First Nations organisations
- Community-based groups
Monthly online forums deep dive on issues and opportunities of interest such as:
- Community benefit sharing and coordination of regional benefits
- Training and workforce development
- Legacy housing
- Supporting First Nations groups to lock in legacy outcomes
- Community engagement
- Nature and renewables
- Decommissioning and end of life for renewables
- Leadership and the energy shift
The Regional Leaders Network allows us to be bower birds, pick the best bits that work across the country and observe the rest.
Chris Sounness, Chief Executive Officer, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development VIC
We explore issues and opportunities at both national and state-based levels and often invite guest presenters to contribute to discussions.
The Network was initially set up by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, Projects JSA, RE-Alliance and The Next Economy to fill a gap in support for regional leaders, and by extension communities. The Network is now convened by RE-Alliance.
To express your interest in becoming a Regional Leaders Network member, or to learn more, reach out to our Regional Programs Manager, Thomasen at [email protected].
We also run a unique event solely for the benefit of rural and regional leaders – the Regional Leaders Summit. Rural and regional leaders gather in person to share stories, lessons and experiences to help create and maximise opportunities, and limit risks, in the shift to renewable energy.
Being together with people from all over the country with such a diversity of expertise, interests and insights has been incredible – I've walked away with a lot, including instant collaborations that will benefit our region and the Councils we work with.
Veronica Terry, Cradle Coast Authority TAS
Coming together like this, it’s clear that local governments are the ones who create the environment for things to happen. It’s up to us to get the right people in the room, and equip those with influence to pull the levers that ensure our community is better off following Australia's energy transition.
Tracy Lefroy, Shire President of Moora WA
Check out the themes and messages from our inaugural Regional Leaders Summit held in August 2025 in Newcastle NSW.