Council wants equitable outcomes from Renewable Energy development

Published on 29 January 2025

Council wants equitable outcomes from Renewable Energy development

Murray River Council has resolved to reach out to councils within the Southwest Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ), seeking support for a joint advocacy initiative to ensure equitable outcomes for communities impacted by renewable energy development.

Whilst the SW REZ represents a major opportunity for renewable energy development in the region, Council wants support programs and initiatives fairly distributed across all affected communities, including those that currently fall outside the defined zone boundaries.

The proposed joint advocacy initiative would focus on three key priorities:

Flexibility in Boundary Definitions: Many communities impacted by renewable energy projects are located outside the current SW REZ boundary. Council is advocating for greater regulatory flexibility to include these communities so they can access the benefits and support provided by the initiative.
Authority to Fund Beyond Boundaries: Council wants to ensure funding opportunities can extend to projects outside the defined SW REZ boundary but still within the relevant Local Government Area (LGA). This would reflect the broader impacts of renewable energy development and support affected communities more effectively.
Equitable Distribution of Benefits: Advocacy will focus on establishing mechanisms to allocate funding based on the level of impact experienced by communities. This would strengthen local infrastructure, build resilience, and deliver fair and meaningful benefits to all affected areas, regardless of their location within the zone.

“By working collaboratively with councils across the SW REZ, we can advocate for more inclusive policies that reflect the priorities and needs of all impacted communities,” Mayor John Harvie said.

The Council’s initiative aims to build momentum for a united advocacy effort, gathering feedback and building support among councils within the SW REZ.

“Together, councils can present a stronger case to state and federal governments, promoting a fairer approach to renewable energy development and any associated benefits,” Cr Harvie said