Community Engagement Critical in Renewable Energy Development, Says NSW Farmers

Energy developers are urged to engage fairly with local communities and address the impacts of renewable projects, as highlighted by NSW Farmers during a recent state inquiry.

The peak farm body voiced its concerns at a NSW Government inquiry into renewable energy zones on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for improved community engagement in the renewable transition.

According to NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin, “Our members are telling us that consultation with farming regions around these projects is still dysfunctional, and this must change if we are to sustain our farming communities.”

He added, “Farmland we need is being taken away without proper engagement or compensation, while renewable projects are exerting pressure on local roads and towns during construction.”

“We’ve produced an updated guide to provide farmers with information in this transition, but we deserve proper communication from developers, ensuring we get the right thing, in the right place, and in the right way.”

Martin stressed that the NSW Government must also ensure that farmers and communities are not unfairly burdened with the costs and risks linked to renewable developments.

“Currently, it seems any farmers might have to manage the decommissioning of renewable installations once they reach their lifespan, and those neighboring a project aren’t guaranteed compensation for its impact on their farms,” he explained.

He also raised concerns about transmission lines posing significant fire risks, stating, “There aren’t any proper protocols in place to manage this.”

“These are just some of the issues we must see rectified so that the rush towards renewables does not come at the expense of our food production and the farming communities that underpin this sector.”

Source: NSW Farmers