Tailoring Community Engagement: Listening to Diverse Perspectives for Effective Collaboration

The start of the 2024 federal parliamentary year has brought attention to the construction of new energy infrastructure in rural and regional Australia. The majority of regional Australians support renewable energy for its long-term benefits. However, many communities feel that there is a lack of planning and consideration for local needs in government policies and project planning.

This concern was highlighted in the Community Engagement Review conducted by the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Andrew Dyer. The complexity of state and federal government policies and the lack of media coverage make it difficult for the public to understand the need for renewables and how they are being implemented across the country.

One of the challenges faced by communities is the lack of clarity regarding renewable energy zones. These zones are designated areas suitable for wind or solar projects, but the competition for capacity is often invisible to the public. This leads to misconceptions about the number of projects that will actually proceed, causing confusion and uncertainty.

To address these issues, the Dyer report recommends that the federal government initiate a communications program to provide local communities with a clear narrative about the reasons for the energy transition. It is crucial for state and federal leaders to communicate more frequently and clearly with the public about the development of renewables and their importance.

In addition to a high-level plan, regional communities need locally relevant information about the timing of projects and how they will impact local infrastructure and economies. Currently, this information is largely absent, and there is a need for state or federal government involvement to ensure effective communication and engagement.

Another concern raised by communities is the potential impact of renewable energy development on nature. Mapping and zoning exercises should take into account local environmental and cultural priorities, and collaboration with conservation and First Nations groups is essential to understand and address these concerns.

While the Dyer review provides a comprehensive discussion of the issues surrounding the “social licence” for renewable energy, the report’s recommendations lack specificity and ambition in terms of the role regional Australia can play in driving the renewable energy generation. There is a need for increased public investment in supporting communities through the complex changes associated with renewable energy.

Based on their experience working with regions, the RE-Alliance proposes three community engagement recommendations to the federal government. Firstly, there should be a clear and comprehensive communication plan to inform the public about the renewable energy build and how they can participate. Secondly, a research centre focused on the social and environmental impacts of renewable energy should be established to provide trusted information and become a reference for the industry. Finally, the creation of locally-run Energy Hubs would help rural and regional Australians navigate the switch to renewables by providing support, information, and facilitating constructive interactions between energy developers and the community.

By prioritizing community engagement and providing the necessary resources and support, Australia can successfully transition to renewable energy while ensuring the well-being of its communities and the environment.

Andrew Bray is the national director of the RE-Alliance.