BY PETER HYSLOP
A State Inquiry into Renewable Energy Zones at Singleton today heard from local leaders, energy operators and unions about the impacts on regional communities.
Residents have long raised concerns about traffic impacts and little consultation from major energy operators.
An interim report in August found uncertainty over whether projects will proceed is causing anxiety. The report also flagged concerns about impacts to the agricultural industry.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton says residents want their fair share of economic benefits.
“This new industry will again bring a real risk that Muswellbrook Shire will carry the load without receiving our fair share of gains.
“This is a cycle that needs to stop. If we keep accommodating what needs to be done for the rest of the country to keep the lights on, our community … needs to start seeing the benefits,” he said.
“EnergyCo has only recently had the resources to plan strategically, and it is now trying to catch up in a fast-moving space. This lack of sequencing creates uncertainty for project proponents, councils and communities.
“This has caused unpredictable workloads for staff because of overlapping projects, loss of social licence as residents grow frustrated with repeated consultations, difficulty planning infrastructure to accommodate renewable energy projects [and] pressure on local services to host temporary construction workforces,” he said.
