Power can have many definitions. It can provide an ability for one to direct or influence the behaviour of others, or a course of events. It can supply energy. It can also be used to describe something that is moving with speed or force. Each of those definitions, you could argue, talk about a different circumstance. But when you think about it, they also describe regional Australia at this very moment in time.
Regional Australia stands on the precipice of enormous change when it comes to power. The transition to net zero will transform this country, more so the regions. It’s happening at an incredible rate, will provide the gigawatts our nation will need in the decades to come, and the regions can and will influence this evolution.
The transition to net zero emissions is not easy, but it is happening, and participation is mandatory. This transformation will have a profound impact on the nation’s economy, our society and the environment - and the regions sit at the heart of this change and challenge. Regional Australia is the new frontier, and we must equip ourselves with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate these unchartered waters.
Enter the Regional Australia Institute’s (RAI) latest body of research: Towards Net Zero: Empowering Regional Communities, which I was thrilled to launch earlier this month. This report found that Australia cannot simply aim to reach net zero at any cost. Rather, it must be done in a way that provides local opportunities, in an efficient manner, and prioritises equity of outcomes for all Australians. In short, net zero has to deliver value: to the environment, to the economy, and to the people.
In consultation with six communities across regional Australia this report has identified that the transition provides an opportunity in regional Australia to build a legacy for future generations. That the pipeline of renewable projects creates an opportunity to invest in long term infrastructure in our regions – housing, enhancing community liveability and improving community services. It also found there is a strong desire within our communities to grow their own workforces, creating visible employment pathways for young people, reducing demand for fly and drive-in workforces and stimulating local economies; That there is an eager appetite for practical advice and clear information, with more detail required about technology and rollouts; That there is general goodwill towards the transition, but that better collaboration and coordination is needed; And that there is frustration about how consultations on renewable projects have been handled.
This report looks towards the future. It isn’t about getting short-term wins, it’s about starting a conversation, on a national scale, about succession planning. Planning for the future of our regions, which is something as a country, we haven’t seen in a long time. But do it right, do it good, and the transformation we have the ability to influence, could revolutionise Australia.
So, how do we go about ensuring that occurs? This report makes a number of recommendations for change, including establishing a Regional Prosperity Collective, which would bring together government, industry and community to ensure the private sector investment is matched by government investment. It’s also suggested the development of a National Net Zero Framework, to help measure success towards our nation’s net zero ambitions, and adding transparency, direction and accountability that transcends political cycles. Further it calls for the establishment of an Energy Transition Hub, to provide practical, customised advice, and where appropriate referrals to specialist services.
The report has a very clear narrative: Unless regional communities understand the need for change, unless they are provided shared benefit and local decision making, unless they can be prominent and active partners in this transition, Australia’s net zero target is under threat.
Australia currently ranks seventh (out of 40) on the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index, but despite 2022 being a record year for renewable energy project commitments, our country faces an uphill climb to reach its 2030 target of 82% of electricity produced by renewable sources. What needs to be done then? All levels of government and industry must pick up the pace with information flow, planning and to enhance the service provision required by regions. Likewise, regions must unite and step into the opportunity before them.
There is much at stake. We cannot simply roll the dice on our energy security, nor can we roll the dice on the nation’s backbone: regional Australia. All aspects of the system must be empowered. Because, if we can use this once-in-a-generation transformation to change lives for the better, change communities for the better, change society for the better, then that is the best kind of power.
Power can have many definitions, together let’s build the new frontier.
Liz Ritchie, RAI CEO.
The Towards Net Zero: Empowering Regional Communities report was funded by the Australian Government, in conjunction with the NSW, Queensland, South Australian and Western Australian Governments.