Australia is on the brink of a massive energy market transformation with the construction of new wind and solar power, coupled with the potential for thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines. The creation of Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and offshore wind developments introduces potential for significant benefits as well as impacts on regional communities across the state. Energy Grid Alliance sees this as an opportunity to ensure that the right policies and frameworks are developed to better integrate land use considerations, environmental impacts, and community views into the planning. It is critical to ensure we transition to renewables in the most orderly and strategic way that delivers the best outcomes for Australians and provides more certainty to investors, industry, and local communities.

The need for an effective and efficient transmission network to transfer energy generated in renewable energy zones to the grid is recognised but it is fundamental the impacts on environment and community be considered as part of the RIT-T / ISP process, project scoping and development. All transmission projects should be required to comprehensively consider social and environmental factors and investigate viable transmission alternatives to ensure communities are not adversely impacted and the environment is protected and preserved.  Learn more >>

In line with recommendations of IAP2 Australasia, Energy grid Alliance believes that engagement, when done well, improves social, environmental, and economic outcomes and increases trust in the democratic process. We advocate for all communities to be authentically engaged in decisions that affect them through education and increasing awareness of authentic engagement and all its benefits, in alignment with the IAP2 Quality Assurance Standard and Code of Ethics for Community and Stakeholder Engagement.  This is a complex and ongoing process that requires systemic change. It involves fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and inclusivity to ensure that decision-making processes genuinely reflect and prioritise the needs and interests of the public to rebalance the power between institutions and communities.