SUBMISSIONS CLOSED
A local plan for navigating the energy transition
Uralla Shire Council has released its draft Renewable Energy Action Plan for public feedback.
The Renewable Energy Action Plan outlines how Council, industry and government can work together to manage the anticipated impacts from an influx of temporary renewable energy workers at peak construction times, and ensure the Shire is prepared.
The increased workforce is likely to place pressure on housing, water, roads, services and the natural environment. At the same time, the region stands to benefit from major investment, new jobs, and expanded training and economic opportunities.
The visionContinue reading
SUBMISSIONS CLOSED
A local plan for navigating the energy transition
Uralla Shire Council has released its draft Renewable Energy Action Plan for public feedback.
The Renewable Energy Action Plan outlines how Council, industry and government can work together to manage the anticipated impacts from an influx of temporary renewable energy workers at peak construction times, and ensure the Shire is prepared.
The increased workforce is likely to place pressure on housing, water, roads, services and the natural environment. At the same time, the region stands to benefit from major investment, new jobs, and expanded training and economic opportunities.
The vision is that Uralla remains a thriving rural Shire where the renewable energy transition strengthens community life, supports local livelihoods, and protects the Shire’s unique identity.
The Renewable Energy Action Plan is based on feedback received from more than 150 residents who took part in interviews, workshops, school sessions and surveys as part of the Striking a New Deal project – a national collaboration helping regional communities manage the impacts and opportunities of renewable energy development.
Download the Draft Renewable Energy Action Plan
What your initial feedback told us
Residents said they wanted timely, factual information and more transparent engagement from government and developers. Keeping the community informed and united is a core priority as change accelerates.
Residents want local businesses to benefit through procurement, workforce spending and opportunities for new industries, but they also want to avoid boom-and-bust cycles or pressures that push out small businesses.
Infrastructure investment must meet both the short-term construction surge and long-term community needs.
The renewable energy transition can create long-term skilled jobs. Stronger school-to-work pathways, apprenticeships and training opportunities are needed so young people can build careers here, not leave the region.
The community wants developers and government to support expanded local health services, mental health support and community safety measures.
Peak construction could increase local water demand, creating an opportunity to identify long-term water solutions that protect households, agriculture and the environment.
Council is already acting on several priority areas, progressing temporary workforce accommodation options, long-term water planning, and waste and recycling solutions.
A summary of the Renewable Energy Action Plan's key focus areas
If your community group would like a briefing on this Plan, call us on (02) 6778 6300 or email council@uralla.nsw.gov.au.
About the Striking a New Deal project
Striking a New Deal was developed in partnership with Council to engage the local community in shaping a shared vision for the region’s future.
The project aims to define what “good development” looks like in Uralla Shire and to co-create a Renewable Energy Strategic Plan that reflects community aspirations and guides Council in its discussions with government and developers.
The Striking a New Deal collaboration brings together The Next Economy, RE-Alliance, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), Projects JSA, and Uralla Shire Council.
In Uralla, the project has been led by The Next Economy — a not-for-profit organisation that works with regional communities across Australia, helping them to engage with residents and stakeholders in meaningful ways. TNE has supported towns such as Hay, Mount Isa, and the Latrobe Valley to prepare for economic shifts by building local strategies and capturing community knowledge.
Find out more at www.nexteconomy.com.au.
