Articles by Karin Stark

Technology

“Pay people for their time:” Six ways we should be funding regions to respond to the energy tra... - Renew Economy

Every few months, another report is released with a familiar chorus: “There is a critical need for more or better community consultation.” The latest Energy and Water Ombudsman New South Wales (EWON) annual report, published last week, states that “community members do not feel there is genuine engagement.” For anyone living near or inside a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), this comes as no surprise and one wonders why so little progress has been made when we have been aware of this issue for more than a decade. Ten years ago I worked at the Dubbo arm of the former NSW office of Environment and Heritage, in what was the Regional Clean Energy Program. This program supported communities to understand more about large-scale solar and wind projects, assist with community energy initiatives, and explore benefit sharing models. A research report done at the time for the program, outlined the exact community consultation issues we are still grappling with today. What continues to be overlooked is the value regional communities bring to the energy transition, not just as passive hosts of infrastructure, but as active participants with deep local knowledge and lived experience. I live on a farm in Narromine, on the edge of the Central West Orana REZ, so have seen first-hand the consultation burden on some highly impacted towns and community groups. One Landcare representative told me she had been asked to attend five meetings from various developers and governments in the one week. People living in REZs are regularly asked to volunteer their time to provide much-needed input for research, public consultations, workshops, social impact assessments or other surveys. And this isn’t paid work. It’s unpaid emotional and intellectual labour, expected from community members who already juggle farms, jobs, families and volunteer commitments. I recognise consultation as an important part of public policy making however when the need for input ramps up alongside the energy transition, with some regions bombarded more than others, it’s a wonder governments and industry do not budget to resource regional people to respond to one of the biggest changes they will see in their lifetimes. The good intention is there. In NSW, EnergyCo’s merit criteria aims to promote strong community engagement, but it has also led to a flurry of developers scrambling to “tick the box” by engaging locals, even when many of their projects will never go ahead. This wastes time, fosters distrust, and erodes goodwill. There are not-for-profit groups attempting to build awareness about the energy transition and increase energy literacy, including Community Power Agency, RE Alliance and Farmers for Climate Actions. My own National Renewables in Agriculture Conference, supported by governments in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, outlines what the transition means for farmers and communities, how benefits can be shared, how to farm under solar panels, as well as the tax and insurance implications from hosting renewables. But much more support is needed. Here are a few ways forward: Start paying people for their time. If governments and developers truly value community input then it should be resourced accordingly. Why are hydrological consultants paid thousands while community members are expected to provide their expertise for free? If you want someone to attend a meeting, pay them as you would a consultant. If that’s not possible, cover their travel or provide a meal in a family-friendly location. The Energy Charter is leading by example in this area and offering payments for community members sitting on their advisory groups. Establish Local Energy Hubs. Re Alliance and CPA are calling for Local Energy Hubs – physical shopfronts in towns that can provide independent advice and act as trusted conduits for information. These hubs could also relieve pressure from overloaded community volunteers by answering questions, explaining development processes, and directing locals to professional support. Tap into local expertise. Why are ecological and hydrological surveys in regional NSW often carried out by consultants from Sydney or overseas, who know little about the landscape? Local farmers, Landcare groups, and regional environmental consultants often have far better knowledge of local conditions. Their insights should be used and they should be properly contracted and paid. Empower existing regional groups. Governments and industry could look to fund existing regional groups (Landcare, CWA, RDAs) to enable the employment of additional staff to lighten the consultation burden and be a trusted source of information in the regions. Governments should act as gatekeepers, screening out developers and projects that are unviable – projects unlikely to succeed due to environmental, cultural or agricultural sensitivities, or developers with little experience or a poor track record – before they even reach the community, to reduce the consultation burden. This can be based on pre-determined criteria devised through a collaborative committee including local knowledge and community leaders. Instead of flooding REZ communities with 40 projects/developers, only the 10 to 12 most feasible projects should be allowed to engage in meaningful consultation. This could reduce consultation fatigue and ensure that community input is directed where it can actually make a difference. Create an ‘Energy Transition Helpline.’ This could be a free, independent resource available to any landholders or community member, to answer questions about land acquisition process (for transmission), solar and wind in the area, submission processes, insurance, road upgrades or provide access to a vetted list of experienced lawyers (contract lawyers that specialise in renewables), accountants and advisors. There are already promising examples of what’s possible. Powerlink’s partnership with Queensland Farmers Federation is helping landholders navigate renewable energy development by funding a staff member to sit within the farming body. Let’s be clear. Community consultation isn’t just a box to be ticked. It’s foundational to the long-term success of the energy transition. If we don’t bring regional Australia along in a way that is respectful, fair and properly resourced, we risk alienating the very people whose support is most crucial. Karin Stark is a primary producer in Central West NSW, founder of the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference, director of Farm Renewables Consulting and a board member of RE Alliance.