There has been a call to allow local governments to receive standard payments from renewable energy projects in the regional communities hosting the infrastructure. The Clean Energy Council’ has called for the creation of a national Renewable Resources Payment scheme. Announced earlier this month at the Australian Clean Energy Summit by CEO Jackie Trad, the proposal would see a national scheme established. Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of Local Government NSW(LGNSW), said the proposal recognised the fundamental need for communities hosting renewable energy projects to receive a fair share of the benefits. “Councils want renewable energy to succeed, but host communities must see real, lasting benefits from the infrastructure in their backyards,” Cr Byrne said. “A national payment scheme would help build trust, strengthen local support and ensure rural and regional areas share in the value created by these projects. “It’s not every day you see an industry proposing a royalty on itself, but this is the right call to build trust and confidence in the renewables sector. “Regional councils are used to getting left behind by big agencies and utilities, so locking in a simple system of financial contributions directly paid to local government would help overcome the cynicism that they are feeling about the renewables roll out. “Local councils in the bush know their communities best and will invest any royalties collected from wind and solar projects in the infrastructure local people need. “The shift to renewable energy must be managed in genuine partnership with councils and their communities, including those impacted by storage and transmission infrastructure.” With almost 200 renewable energy projects are currently progressing through the NSW planning system the cumulative impact of this rapid development is significantly affecting the local labour market, housing, infrastructure, water, essential services, emergency response and transport routes according to LGNSW. Cr Byrne added that at the same time, councils recognise that transition presents opportunities through economic diversification, investment and creation of highly skilled, well-paid jobs. "Getting this right will help shape the long-term prosperity and wellbeing of communities across NSW, particularly within and around the state's five Renewable Energy Zones."
