When renewable energy developers first approached the Hay Shire Council in south-west NSW, the council saw both opportunity and risk. With the region designated as a Renewable Energy Zone and major wind projects on the horizon, they knew the energy transition could bring real benefits, but also real community division.
Rather than sit back and let events unfold, they took the lead, helping ensure the community would engage with the transition. In partnership with the community, Hay Shire Council developed a proactive, inclusive process that not only kept the community informed, but led to a clear, community-driven set of benefit proposals, ranging from long-term affordable energy to supported housing.
Ali McLean, the Council’s Economic Development Manager, shares how local government can shape the future when it steps up early and listens closely.
Check out previous episodes of the SwitchedOn Australia podcast here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2098881051AEMC commissioner Rainer Korte on what the new rules on reporting and data sharing will…
Developer says it is good to go on early works and construction of the largest…
AEMO says proof that grid forming battery inverters can deliver heartbeat of the grid will…
Days after lodging new plans for a more than 500 MW wind farm, Squadron dumps…
AEMO’S head of systems Nicola Falcon on the 2026 ISP and the importance of grid…
Flagship pilot program to set up 100 sites around the country to collect used solar…