But this comes with challenges, including issues that need to be addressed.
Submissions to a NSW Government inquiry into the impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries have recently been lodged, with a number of submissions from across the Murray/Riverina region.
There was a mixed approach, with Hay Shire Council welcoming the renewable energy transition and a potential positive impact, but a scathing attack on the roll-out and process from Murrumbidgee Council, which includes Jerilderie and Coleambally.
Edward River Council did not make a submission, but was included in the one presented by the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO), representing 11 councils including five within the boundaries of the South West Renewable Energy Zone: Edward River, Carrathool, Hay, Murrumbidgee and Murray River.
In its submission, RAMJO highlighted principle messages from Hay Shire Council that it was “supportive of the clean energy transition” and wants to “keep the overall experience for our community positive, to remain supportive … we will ensure the energy transition happens with us, not to us.”
RAMJO sees the roll-out as an opportunity to address the issue of energy security in some regions, as there are “quite a number of RAMJO communities (which) suffer through inadequate energy provision” and “can have regular brownouts and blackouts, as well as limits to new industries and employment opportunities”.
It says there is “an opportunity for greater resilience for rural and regional communities, particularly if the distributed energy systems allow islanding of energy systems through critical periods, so that there is less reliance on the distribution networks during periods of crisis such as fire and floods”.
However, there remain issues that need to be considered, according to RAMJO.
These include fire fighting capabilities, with a number of solar farms not providing internal resources to fight fires, instead depending on volunteer services.
In its submission Murrumbidgee Council described the approach to fire risk as “a complete failure that will result in catastrophic loss in the future”, with local brigades, made up of volunteers, not having the training or resources to deal with fires associated with renewable energy developments.
RAMJO says there also needs to be better waste management provisions, as the small sites operated by local councils “are not suitable for managing large scale industrial waste, and often are unlicensed which means they legally cannot accept large volumes of waste”.
Among other issues identified were:
• Impact on the internet due to the workers’ camps using the available internet
• Impact on council sewer systems and water treatment plants
• Impact on roads which deteriorate due to these projects
• Impact on water usage and higher than typical quantities of water needed for industry.
“Regional and rural communities often face inadequate and ageing infrastructure. The influx of additional people and expanded usage of roads, internet, sewerage and water infrastructure may highlight the vulnerability of infrastructure in these communities,” RAMJO said.
“If planning and investment for these additional costs have not been considered as part of the development of REZ, then this can impose additional costs on the local community and council,” it added.
It also said there can be “considerable frustration that the landscape and amenity of rural areas is being impacted, but the benefits of cheaper (or no cost) power is not being made available to the local communities”.
RAMJO highlighted the potential for distributed energy and the need for a clear focus on supporting the energy needs of communities.
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