The new Striking a New Deal report highlights what regional areas need from renewable energy development. Our engagement in Uralla Shire shows how these national issues are playing out locally.
The big picture
Across Australia’s regions hosting large scale renewable energy, you will hear a mix of pride, frustration and worry. Pride in helping power the country’s clean energy future, mixed with annoyance of the little recognition from the big cities of the heavy lift they are doing to supply the nation’s power. Frustration that so much about wind, solar and battery projects feel unclear. And Worry about the pressure they could put on housing, already stretched services, and the character of local towns.
These realities are at the heart of a recent report, Striking a New Deal for Renewables in Regions, written under the Striking a New Deal collaboration. It draws on insights from leaders in communities already experiencing significant renewable energy investment and spells out what people say they need to feel confident about the shift: clear and accessible information, honest conversations about risks as well as opportunities, investment in housing, services and infrastructure before the impacts hit, and binding agreements so benefits arrive and last.
Zooming in on Uralla Shire
Much of this will sound familiar to anyone living in a renewable energy hotspot, but it is important to continue to highlight these issues so policymakers and industry can respond.
In June 2025, we ran community workshops and conversations with around 150 residents in Uralla Shire, which sits in the New England Renewable Energy Zone. We heard from a wide range of locals, and what we heard echoed the SaND report almost point for point.
Uncertainty and trust
How do we beat all the misinformation going around?
Uralla Shire resident
People told us they do not know what will be built, when, or how projects will fit together. This lack of clarity fuels anxiety and leaves room for rumours to grow. We have collected a long list of community questions which shows that most residents know little about the details of development and are not sure where to turn for reliable answers.
When people are not given timely and accurate information, they fill the gaps themselves, and the risk of misinformation rises. People told us they want developers and government to be proactive in explaining what is and is not yet known, rather than letting people find out in fragments over time.
Balancing benefits and risks
The report calls for “risk and opportunity accounts” which are plain language summaries of what is promised, what is at risk and how it will be managed. People in Uralla want exactly that. They also want to see the full picture, including cumulative impacts. Many asked how multiple projects together will affect local water supplies, road networks, housing, and biodiversity.
Housing was the most urgent concern. Residents fear rising rents and fewer homes for locals as temporary workforces move in. Health and aged care services are already under strain. Roads, water and waste systems are under similar pressures.
At the same time, people see opportunities such as upgrading infrastructure, training local young people for good jobs, revitalising community spaces and restoring nature.
I can see things have got to change. But my concern is the soul of Uralla.
Uralla Shire resident
Securing a fair deal
Both the SaND report and Uralla locals are calling for certainty in agreements between developers and communities, not just handshake promises. People want commitments that survive a change of project ownership. They want these commitments to cover things like job pathways for local youth, healthcare investment, housing solutions, and protection of farmland, biodiversity and the Shire’s heritage.
If we cannot fight it, make it better.
Uralla Shire resident
Building from strengths
In Uralla, we have taken a strengths-based approach. This means starting with what works and what people value. The active volunteer networks, the character and creativity of main street Uralla, the entrepreneurial spirit in its many independent shops, and the strong sense of neighbours looking out for one another as seen during the recent snow event. Building on these assets is essential if renewable energy development is to enhance the community rather than erode it.
Legacy is the name of the game, no two ways about that.
Uralla Shire resident
And what came out clearly is that residents do not want business as usual planning if benefit funds flow in. They want legacy projects that make life better for all residents, not just a few.
Watch this space for the full output of our engagement work with Uralla Shire Council in the spring.
What is Striking a New Deal (SaND)?
Striking a New Deal is a collaboration between The Next Economy, RE-Alliance, Projects JSA and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. It brings together local voices, regional leaders and national policy discussions to make sure communities hosting renewable energy get a fair deal.
SaND has three interconnected strands:
- Regional Leaders Network: bringing together leaders from across renewable energy regions to share experiences, challenges and solutions.
- Place-based work: partnering with Uralla Shire Council to test ways of engaging communities and planning for long-term benefits from renewable energy investment.
- Policy influencing: sharing insights from communities and leaders to inform governments, industry and the public. The Striking a New Deal for Renewables in Regions report was released under this strand.