The NSW Parliament is running an inquiry on renewable energy developments in regional and rural areas. RE-Alliance has worked in New South Wales for over a decade with communities and industry on renewable energy and provided a response to this inquiry.
Our response recognised that the NSW government recently updated and improved the planning framework for renewable energy and transmission in the state. We noted that the legislative framework for renewable energy zones in NSW does set clear requirements for projects to be done well and to ensure that benefits flow to regions that are hosting this infrastructure.
We note, though, there is more the NSW government can do to prioritise community voices, foster trust through transparent practices, and ensure long-term socio-economic and environmental sustainability for rural and regional areas.
RE-Alliance supports the transformative potential of Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in New South Wales, and sees more opportunity to deliver on socio-economic, agricultural and other industry co-existence, community engagement, sustainable practices to ensure NSW maximizes benefits for rural and regional communities.
Our response highlights areas that NSW could improve the environment for communities in renwable energy zones through:
- Local Energy Hubs for key regions in New South Wales
- Clear policies that empower farming, environmental and First Nations communities to shape the energy transition
- Shared benefits being clearly expected for transmission projects
- Regional-scale strategic benefits allowing co-design and leadership by the community to inform the shape and scope of the approach
- Clearer policies on developer responsibilities for decommissioning.