"Community consultation isn’t just a box to be ticked. It’s foundational to the long-term success of the energy transition. If we don’t bring regional Australia along in a way that is respectful, fair and properly resourced, we risk alienating the very people whose support is most crucial."
Karin Stark is a primary producer in Central West NSW, founder of the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference, director of Farm Renewables Consulting and a board member of RE-Alliance. In her piece '“Pay people for their time:” Six ways we should be funding regions to respond to the energy transition' in RenewEconomy, she says much more support is needed for renewable energy regions.
She lists six ways forward, one of which is Local Energy Hubs:
"Establish Local Energy Hubs. RE-Alliance and Community Power Agency are calling for Local Energy Hubs – physical shopfronts in towns that can provide independent advice and act as trusted conduits for information. These hubs could also relieve pressure from overloaded community volunteers by answering questions, explaining development processes, and directing locals to professional support."