Striking a New Deal (SaND)

Over the past two months, Council has been working in partnership with The Next Economy - a not-for-profit agency that supports regional communities across Australia to manage change associated with renewables - to hear from our community about how we can best manage the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy development. Through interviews with local stakeholders and a series of community workshops held in Uralla, Invergowrie, and Kentucky, we’ve engaged with hundreds of residents to understand their views on the changes already taking place, as well as those on the horizon. We’re proud to share that the workshops were well attended, with 150 community members taking part including 20 young people attending our youth session who contributed diverse perspectives to the conversation.

This work is part of Striking a New Deal (SaND), a Council-led project focused on ensuring that the benefits and impacts of renewable energy development are shared fairly and that community voices shape how change unfolds in our region.

Across all conversations, one message came through clearly: people in Uralla are proud of what already exists. The natural beauty, the strong sense of community, the active volunteer networks, and the town’s heritage are all seen as things worth protecting. Many residents spoke of feeling hopeful (if uncertain) about the future. And while there was a wide range of opinions, most agreed that now is the time to plan well, together.

The Big Picture

Five key challenges were raised again and again:

• Pace, scale and coordination: Many people are worried that development is happening too fast, with inadequate planning and piecemeal upgrades to roads, housing, and services.
• Strain on essential services: Healthcare, water, housing and local infrastructure are already stretched. Without major investment, many fear the community will be left carrying the burden.
• Loss of identity and cohesion: Uralla’s close-knit, village character is seen as under threat from FIFO workforces, generic planning, and poorly managed growth.
• Uneven benefits: People want to see clear, lasting benefits not just for developers or landowners, but for the whole Shire, including young people, renters, and First Nations residents.
• Communication and trust: Confusion, mixed messaging and a lack of transparency have left many unsure who to trust, or how to get involved.

But there’s also a strong appetite for opportunity:

• Many residents see the REZ as a chance to upgrade roads, water systems, and services.
• There’s widespread support for local jobs, apprenticeships and training that help young people stay and thrive here.
• New ideas are emerging for affordable housing, local procurement, community events, and biodiversity protection.
• And above all, people want to stay connected to each other, to Uralla, and to the decisions that shape our future.

Where to next?

This first phase of engagement was about listening carefully. Next, we’ll be sharing more detailed feedback by theme and starting to work with the community on practical ideas and shared priorities. Council and The Next Economy are committed to working transparently and inclusively as we develop a shared roadmap for Uralla’s future.

As one resident put it:

“If we can’t fight it, let’s make it better. My hope is that the town looks back and is happy it went ahead—not divided by it.”

Uralla Shire Council is taking steps to prepare for future change in the region and ensure that new development – particularly renewable energy – works for the community in the long term.

Through a project called Striking a New Deal, Council is working to understand what good development looks like for Uralla and how to make sure local priorities are front and centre when planning for how to manage change. This will help Council advocate for the kinds of benefits that matter most to our community – such as essential services, housing, infrastructure, or local job opportunities.

To support this work, Council is partnering with The Next Economy, a not-for-profit agency that supports regional communities across Australia to manage change in ways that are inclusive and locally appropriate. The Next Economy will support Council to carry out community engagement and feed community input into local planning.

In May, Council and The Next Economy spoke with a number of local stakeholders to hear a variety of perspectives on what people would like Uralla to look like in the future. In June, we’ll hold community workshops so that all residents have the opportunity to share their views.

“This is about planning ahead so that development happens in a way that reflects what our community wants. Council can’t control every project, but we can do the work now to represent our region’s interests and make sure we’re ready to shape a positive future together.” – Toni Averay, General Manager, Uralla Shire Council:

“In our work across Australia, we’ve seen that communities manage change best when they’re actively involved in shaping it. It is clear that Uralla residents have a strong sense of identity. By hearing from local voices, council can ensure that future development reflects community values, priorities and aspirations.” – Lizzie Webb, CEO, The Next Economy

To register your interest or stay informed about upcoming workshops, contact esims@uralla.nsw.gov.au