Between December 2024 and June 2025, The Next Economy and Uralla Shire Council engaged more than 150 residents through workshops, interviews and surveys. People shared what matters most to them, and what ‘good development’ should look like for their Shire in NSW’s New England region, in light of the large-scale renewable energy development planned.
This has culminated in an Insights Paper: a summary of what we heard and what it means for Uralla’s energy future.
What we heard
Residents’ perspectives grouped under six overarching themes, ranging from nature and land use to healthcare. Across these, the following came through clearly:
- There is support for a transition that is transparent, coordinated and grounded in local values.
- People need early, honest communication and real opportunities to participate in decisions.
- The renewables opportunity should be used as an opportunity for investment in lasting infrastructure and services that keep pace with growth.
- It is important to people that farmland, biodiversity and the rural character of the Shire be protected.
- Affordable housing and inclusive growth should be a priority, especially to maintain community cohesion as workers and new residents arrive.
- Stable jobs and training pathways linked to these developments were seen by many as a way to keep and attract young people in the area.
- A shared desire to preserve community cohesion and heritage so that change enhances, more than erodes, what makes Uralla special.
Read more about what came across during community engagement via Council’s website: A shire-wide conversation: community insights for Uralla Shire’s energy future.
Read previous stories and updates:
What happens next?
These insights inform Uralla Shire Council’s Renewable Energy Strategic Plan, due out at the end of 2025. The plan sets out strategies and actions to address challenges and realise opportunities, so that benefits are shared fairly and value endures.
What is the Striking a New Deal (SaND) project?
SaND supports regional communities as they navigate renewable energy development in their area. Together with Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, RE-Alliance and Projects JSA, The Next Economy supports a peer-to-peer network of regional leaders sharing insights with government and industry. Read more about the partnership: Driving better community outcomes from renewable projects