With 70% of people in renewable energy regions backing Australia’s shift to clean energy, the opportunity to lock in enduring support is here – but the window is closing fast.
This week, energy and climate ministers meet with the clock ticking on Australia’s 2030 renewable energy targets. The projects that will make or break those targets are now racing into approvals and construction. In the regions that will host them, the support to proceed is within reach – but far from guaranteed.
The Striking a New Deal for Renewables in Regions report shows 70% of people in renewable energy zones back a shift to renewables. That’s a strong base – but highly conditional. Communities want tangible benefits, genuine influence, and respect for their environment and way of life. Without action now, that goodwill could evaporate.
The challenge is not convincing opponents but securing the support that already exists. Governments and industry have a brief window to hardwire benefit-sharing, risk management, and local agency into every project.
Replace the patchwork with a national approach
Some states have strong benefit-sharing guidelines and capacity-building programs. Others leave it to ad hoc arrangements. This inconsistency fuels mistrust. Ministers should commit to a national framework supported by a dedicated Working Group tasked to deliver:
Transparent “risk and opportunity accounts” for each project and new energy region to make the deal clear to communities.
Binding community benefit agreements tied to project and grid connection approvals so locals have confidence government and industry will follow through.
Upgrade the regions powering the nation
Most renewable regions are underprepared for the construction boom. Housing is scarce, health and education services are stretched, and local infrastructure needs upgrades. Without a targeted “new energy regions package” – jointly funded by governments – these pressures will worsen, fueling resentment instead of opportunity. This needs attention now before the height of the construction boom.
Local agency is the dealmaker
Resourced communities are more constructive and less divided. Yet many councils, Traditional Owner groups, and local organisations lack the capacity to influence outcomes. Multi-year funding for these institutions is essential so communities can play their part in shaping local benefits and managing risks.
We saw at RE-Alliance’s inaugural Regional Leaders Summit in Newcastle last week an extraordinary sense of energy to get the shift right for the regions, but not without capacity support.
A case study: Central-West Orana REZ
NSW’s Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone shows what’s possible — and what’s at risk. Ten large projects are moving ahead, backed by major transmission works. Together, they’ll replace around 10.3 million tonnes of CO₂ each year — 2.2% of Australia’s total emissions.
The good news: more than $214 million in confirmed community investment, annual landholder payments exceeding $22 million, and road and water infrastructure upgrades.
The warning signs: housing shortages, stretched health services, community division, and to date missed opportunities for local energy access, telecommunications upgrades, and environmental improvements.
The CWO REZ proves the “good deal” can be done — but that active collaboration is required well beyond the approvals stage.
The deal is there to be made
The renewable energy transformation will leave host communities stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient — but only if we get the deal right.
The quiet majority that supports the energy transformation in regions is watching. It’s time for governments and industry to seal the deal for local support — because without it, the energy shift will falter before it reaches the finish line.
Jack Archer is founder of ProjectsJSA, a consultancy specialising in regional development, and former CEO of the Regional Australia Institute. He is co-author of the Striking a New Deal for Renewables in Regions report.
