Engagement the linchpin for Australia's energy transition

Tip 1: Remember that no project is an island

Far too often, discussions with affected communities about project proposals happen on an individual basis. The problem with this is that wind and solar farms only stack up feasibility-wise in certain locations, so there are usually multiple projects trying to talk to residents at the same time. Even in cases where there is just one project, supporting infrastructure is likely to be required which multiplies development activity (and impact) far beyond the boundaries of the wind or solar farm. This is particularly the case in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), where the area has been specifically designated for energy development, sparking fierce open-market competition for project consents and grid access rights.

When engaging with communities, it’s vital that we’re telling the whole story and giving context to our projects.

People need to understand how all the work that’s going on locally fits together, and the benefits that individual initiatives will deliver collectively.

Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA), which has been responsible for delivering the largest rail upgrades in Victoria's recent history offers valuable lessons for managing long linear infrastructure projects like transmission lines. Transmission initiatives are similar to rail in that they span vast distances, connect regions and unlock significant development opportunities. However, the benefits—such as more reliable renewable energy for urban areas—often flow to one group, while the direct impacts—such as land use changes and visual disruption—are borne by another, often rural, group. This misalignment can create tensions, overwhelming communities with confusion, frustration, and engagement fatigue. Recognising and addressing these distinct perspectives is critical to ensuring successful outcomes for all stakeholders. 

Supporting VIDA’s transition to a place-based engagement model, our team played a pivotal role in coordinating communications across multiple rail projects, ensuring that local residents and businesses received a clear and comprehensive understanding of all development activities in their area. This approach provides a lesson for renewable energy and transmission projects, where numerous initiatives overlap within Renewable Energy Zones (REZs). A coordinated engagement model—like the one we implemented with VIDA—could help communities better understand how various projects fit together and the collective benefits they will deliver.

Tip 2: Prioritise the local when talking energy ROI

Most people are supportive of renewable energy in principle. Where we see this sentiment fray is when the perceived impact of projects on local lifestyle and livelihood outweighs the perceived benefits. It’s been great to see many projects developing long-term local benefits schemes or mechanisms for communities to co-invest in infrastructure over the last few years. And to see governments taking a more active role. For example, in Victoria, the government is introducing a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Community Benefits Plan to help direct tangible value to the communities that will host new transmission, generation and storage assets.

Our work with EnergyCo in New South Wales provides another valuable case study for how thoughtful engagement can yield meaningful community benefits. Tasked with supporting the development of the $128 million Community and Employment Benefit Program for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), our team facilitated 14 consultation sessions to gather input from regional communities. These sessions helped shape the design of funding mechanisms, ensuring they reflect local priorities. The program’s first tranche of $70 million is now open for applications, targeting initiatives that improve energy reliability, create jobs, and foster innovation in the renewables sector.

This initiative highlights the importance of tangible benefits in winning community support. By engaging early and meaningfully, RPS and EnergyCo have created a framework that provides financial benefits to landowners and funding for projects that strengthen local infrastructure and livelihoods. As this program expands across other REZs in New South Wales, it shows how collaboration, clear communication, and a commitment to community outcomes can help build trust and support for Australia’s energy transition.

Tip 3: Invest in coordinated, community-specific engagement

Prior to my time at RPS, I spent a number of years in the UK working on energy projects there. The UK has a clear and prescriptive process for public engagement, with all Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) needing to apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO). This sets transparent parameters around how and when consultation needs to take place. Developers must consult with the public, local authorities, and statutory bodies before submitting their application. The level of detail in consultation is high, and stakeholder feedback needs to be incorporated into the (DCO) proposal.

In Australia, engagement process requirements and approval pathways are less defined. And they’re often complicated by the interplay of state and federal regulations, as well as emerging, yet untested frameworks in areas like offshore wind. While regulatory standards remain a work in progress, it is encouraging to see new guidelines being published which are driving continuous improvement in the quality of engagement. With all of this being said, it’s crucial to recognise that no two communities are alike, and there's no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to effective engagement. Tailoring strategies to the unique characteristics and needs of each community is essential for success.

Engagement experts have an important a role to play here. We can ensure the process is well planned and rigorous, and create cross-connections with other projects that ensure everyone working locally is operating to a similar engagement standard. If one project is doing a great job engaging the community, it makes it much more difficult for other projects to get away with doing the bare minimum. This is particularly important for projects that are big, or high profile. Good engagement builds trust and support for projects, and the industry more broadly. It also benefits communities, as local aspirations, objectives and views are more likely to be heard and incorporated into project planning and design.