New guide to help landholders navigate the energy transition
Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change
Guide and photos available here: https://bit.ly/4jqZnM4
The Minns Labor Government and NSW Farmers have teamed up to launch a new guidebook that will help empower landowners and community members to better navigate and understand the transition to renewable energy.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe, Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey and NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin are visiting the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) to launch The NSW Renewable Energy and
Transmission Guide.
Developed by NSW Farmers in collaboration with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the NSW Government, the guide is designed to ensure landowners in NSW are better-informed as they engage with developers, government agencies and contractors in the REZ and beyond.
The guide will assist landowners who are considering hosting wind, solar or battery projects, and those engaging with energy companies about transmission projects in their region. It also aims to demystify the energy transition for neighbours and broader community members.
The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide includes:
- Information for landowners considering renewable energy projects, supporting them through negotiations and agreements with renewable energy developers.
- Guidance about the processes involved in transmission design, planning and delivery.
- Information about each party’s roles, rights and responsibilities.
The guide stems from an agreement between NSW Farmers, EnergyCo and ACEREZ, the network operator for the REZ, to communicate with landholders and collaborate on projects to improve farmer, landholder and community understanding of the energy transition.
Renewable energy development will bring huge opportunities for regional NSW. The Central-West Orana REZ is expected to attract up to $20 billion in private investment to the region by 2030, creating 5,000 construction jobs and opportunities for local suppliers.
The NSW Government is also investing $128 million in communities which host the Central-West Orana REZ, through grants for community groups and Councils. The recipients of the first round of grants have been announced today, to inject funding into the area before major construction starts.
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:
“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.
“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.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:
“The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide will assist farmers as they navigate the opportunities and challenges involved in the transition to renewable energy in NSW.
“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.”
Quote attributable to EnergyCo CEO, Hannah McCaughey:
“It is critical that landowners are across their rights and responsibilities, and the opportunities this once-in-a-generation project brings.
“Host communities are at the centre of the transition and should benefit from their role in it.”
Quote attributable to NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin:
“Farmers are keen to understand how things work practically and what their options are as renewable energy development continues.
“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.”
Quote attributable to NSW Independent Agriculture Commissioner, Alison Stone:
"Renewable energy offers farmers a powerful opportunity to drought-proof their income and strengthen resilience for the future.
“By working together to integrate renewables responsibly, we can not only safeguard our farms but also unlock new streams of income, creating a sustainable, thriving agricultural landscape for generations to come.”
Further information:
The guide will be available in print and on the NSW Farmers website.
Read NSW Farmers' Landowners Guide
Where is the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone?
- The state’s first REZ is in the Central West Orana region, centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo. It also takes in cities and towns including Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington and Gilgandra.
- Transmission lines for the REZ will travel 240 kilometres, with the easement taking in 0.04 per cent of the total agricultural land in the four impacted local government areas.
- It is expected to bring up to $20 billion in private investment to the region by 2030, and support around 5,000 construction jobs as well as opportunities for local suppliers.
Learn more about the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone
What is a renewable energy zone?
- REZs will group new wind and solar power generation into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. Five zones have been identified and will keep NSW electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, delivering large amounts of new energy to power our regions and cities.
- REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition, while supporting local jobs and business opportunities during construction and operation.