Two organisations working with regional communities hosting large-scale renewable energy projects have welcomed the Australian government’s $22.7 billion investment in the nation’s renewable future announced in the 2024-25 budget.
However, they are calling for even greater ambition to build trust with critical regional partners in the clean energy transition.
RE-Alliance and the Community Power Agency praised the $209.3 million allocated for the new Net Zero Economic Authority, which will support regional communities once legislation passes.
The groups are hopeful the Authority’s remit will be expanded beyond just emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries.
“We can see a $20.7 million commitment to improving community engagement and benefits which is really promising,” said RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure regional communities get the tools to tap into the benefits of hosting renewables.”
Bray welcomed the $10 million over two years for public information on the net zero transition to inform regional areas.
However, he said more ambition is needed by the mid-year budget update to build trust in the renewables shift across the regions.
Community Power Agency Director Jarra Hicks emphasised the importance of the government matching its investment in renewable infrastructure and technology with funding to build trust in the clean energy transition across rural and regional Australia.
“We need the government to create avenues for local participation. We need to front-load the benefits for regional communities. And we need to communicate honestly about the change happening and what it means,” Dr Hicks stated.
One proposal not funded was a network of 50 independent Local Energy Hubs in renewable energy hotspot regions to support communities.
RE-Alliance and the Community Power Agency have consulted with MPs and Ministers over the past six months on measures to support host communities.
The two groups will host a webinar on 20 May 2024 examining what the budget means for renewable energy regions as the transition rapidly accelerates this decade.
