Striking a New Deal (SaND)
Community insights for Uralla’s future
The Uralla Shire, like many regional communities across Australia, faces both significant opportunities and complex challenges with the development of the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). This transformation promises new jobs, infrastructure investment and growth, but also raises concerns about housing affordability, pressure on essential services and the preservation of the Shire’s unique character.
Over the past year, Uralla Shire Council has worked with The Next Economy (TNE) through the Striking a New Deal (SaND) project — a national collaboration helping regional communities manage the impacts and opportunities of renewable energy development.
Between December 2024 and July 2025, more than 150 residents from across the Shire took part in interviews, workshops and surveys to explore:
- How renewable energy development can strengthen what we love about this place
- What needs to be protected
- How benefits can be shared fairly
These insights are shaping a Renewable Energy Strategic Plan for Uralla Shire, ensuring that future decisions reflect local priorities and values.
Download the Community Insights Report
Mayor Bell with Saideh Kent from TNE and community memebrs - Uralla Bowling Club Workshop"We need to ensure that there are long term benefits so that, post-development, this is a town and region we can be proud of.’ – workshop participant"
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.
Community engagement process
Community engagement ran from December 2024 to July 2025. The process was designed to ensure people from across the Shire — landholders, small business owners, volunteers, young people, service providers and First Nations representatives — could share their views in a safe, respectful and forward-looking way.
Workshops and sessions were held across Uralla, Invergowrie, Kentucky and Uralla Central School, supported by online surveys and stakeholder interviews.
The engagement activities aimed to:
Provide opportunities for the community to be heard
Support respectful discussion between people with differing views
Focus on the future the community wants
Seek solutions without dismissing the challenges
Build cohesion and shared commitment to positive outcomes
Engagement snapshot
| Stage | Focus | Activities | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Project Establishment | Background research, co-design with Councillors and staff, 16 stakeholder interviews | Identified common themes |
| Stage 2 | Community Engagement | 5 community sessions, 1 school session, online survey | Defined opportunities and concerns |
| Stage 3 | Sense-Making | Council briefing and Community Insights Report | Foundation for Renewable Energy Strategic Plan |
Participants represented a broad cross-section of the community — from farmers, small business owners and local groups to young people, contractors, and service providers — capturing a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
Drop-in session at Invegowrie StoreWhat we heard from the community
In almost a year of engagement, one thing was clear: locals are deeply proud of what already exists.
The region’s natural beauty, strong sense of community, active volunteer networks and rich heritage are seen as assets worth protecting. Many people support renewable energy development, but want it to strengthen Uralla’s identity, not erode it.
People called for:
Early, honest communication about what’s coming
A real say in decisions
Investment in things the community needs — like better healthcare, safer roads, affordable housing and stronger environmental protections
Long-term outcomes that benefit the whole region, not just short-term construction targets
The community is ready to adapt, but not at the cost of what makes Uralla liveable, affordable and uniquely itself.
Workshop at Kentucky Memorial HallSix key themes emerged
Nature, land use and agriculture
Protecting biodiversity, farmland and rural identity.
“What we have left in terms of biodiversity is precious and irreplaceable.”
Infrastructure, roads, water, waste and housing
Coordinating upgrades, developer contributions and housing affordability.
“The REZ might increase rental costs and drive me out.”
Local economy, business and innovation
Strengthening local procurement, diversifying industries and supporting artisans.
“We want workers to shop at Foodworks and drink at the local pubs.”
Jobs, skills and training
Building lasting pathways for young people and local workers.
“There’s a real opportunity to invest in local kids – not just the apprentices companies need today, but a future workforce.”
Health, aged care and community services
Ensuring services keep pace with growth and support wellbeing.
“Medical services are already massively over-stretched.”
Community spirit, inclusion and heritage
Maintaining social cohesion, celebrating Anaiwan Country, and protecting Uralla’s identity.
“The influx of 1,700 people will change the nature of the community unless there’s a way to integrate those folks into community life.”
Outcomes from the Uralla Bowlo workshop
Opportunities identified
Upgrading roads, water systems, waste services and digital connectivity
Expanding health, childcare, aged care and mental health services
Creating diverse and affordable housing for locals
Supporting apprenticeships and training pathways
Investing in community spaces and local events
Designing nature-positive development that protects biodiversity
Common concerns
Pace, scale and coordination of REZ development
Strain on housing, health, water and roads
Loss of local identity, heritage and cohesion
Uneven distribution of benefits between towns or groups
Lack of communication, transparency and trust
"My hope is that the town looks back and is happy it went ahead, not divided by it." – workshop participant
Uralla Courthouse WorkshopTurning insights into action
The Community Insights Report is now complete and has been presented to Council.
The Next Economy is working with Council staff to turn these insights into Uralla’s first Renewable Energy Strategic Plan — a roadmap for managing growth, protecting what matters, and sharing the benefits fairly.
This plan will guide how Council, government and industry work together to ensure renewable energy development strengthens Uralla’s resilience and identity.
What happens next
Community display: Key findings are now on display at Uralla Library through the summer months.
Presentations: Council Officers can provide presentations to local groups — get in touch if your organisation would like to host one.
Regular updates: Follow this page, Council’s social media and The Wordsworth for news and engagement opportunities.
Have we missed anything?
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Do these issues resonate with you?
What’s the most important thing we need to get right first?
What gives you hope for Uralla’s energy future?
Share your ideas below or email council@uralla.nsw.gov.au.
Read the Community Insights Report
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Navigating Change Together, What We Heard From You
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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.”
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A Shire-wide Conversation About Change and Opportunity
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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
Who's Listening
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Email esims@uralla.nsw.gov.au -
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