A new guide aimed at helping New South Wales landholders engage with renewable energy and transmission developments has been released by the NSW Government in partnership with NSW Farmers.
The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide was launched this week in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) by State Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe, State Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey, and NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin.
Developed in collaboration with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the NSW Government, the guide provides information for landholders considering wind, solar or battery projects, and for those engaging with energy companies about transmission infrastructure.
“This guide reflects our commitment to working with farmers, landowners and others to give them the information they need to engage confidently in renewable energy projects,” Minister Sharpe said.
“We thank NSW Farmers for their collaboration on this guide. It will be a go-to resource for individuals, businesses and communities as they seek information about the REZ.”
Minister Moriarty said the guide outlines the rights and responsibilities of landholders and offers practical information about development processes.
“This guide will help landholders understand the potential impacts of development and their rights and responsibilities as well as how to maximise land productivity and benefit from new investment in the region,” she said.
The Central-West Orana REZ is projected to attract up to $20 billion in private investment by 2030, and create around 5000 construction jobs.
The NSW Government is also allocating $128 million to community groups and councils through grants, with the first round of recipients announced this week.
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey said it was important for landowners to be informed.
“It is critical that landowners are across their rights and responsibilities, and the opportunities this once-in-a-generation project brings,” she said.
“Host communities are at the centre of the transition and should benefit from their role in it.”
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the guide was developed to support landholders in understanding their options.
“Farmers are keen to understand how things work practically and what their options are as renewable energy development continues,” he said. “By equipping farmers and their communities with that knowledge, this guide aims to help landholders navigate the transition, so we can get the right thing in the right place, built in the right way.”
The guide builds on a previous agreement between NSW Farmers, EnergyCo and ACEREZ—the REZ network operator—to improve communication with landholders and provide clear, accessible information throughout the energy transition process.
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