An Uralla grazier has urged civic leaders not to put the clean energy shift “in the too-hard basket”, as farmers warn regional NSW could miss out on more than $4 billion.
Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) has warned that regional New South Wales risks delaying more than $4 billion in direct investment if the NSW Government does not fix the problems regional communities see on the ground.
The group was responding to the NSW Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).
New England grazier Chris Laurie, of Uralla, said there were billions on the table for regional towns.
“My wife works in rural health. She’s almost broken herself fighting for services our communities should already have,” Mr Laurie said.
“We’re tired of watching the bush go without.”
“Now there are billions on the table that could leave a lasting legacy for our towns and our kids: stronger local businesses, better infrastructure and community funding that lasts beyond the next drought.”
FCA welcomed the government’s commitment to fund local government leaders and to make sure all neighbours get a share in the benefits, as many already do.
However, the group said there were still issues which required solving, not more committees.
“Farmers and regional NSW are huge winners from a clean energy shift done right,” said FCA CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt.
“Between now and 2050, the energy shift could deliver $3.4 billion to $4.1 billion directly into host landholder payments, council infrastructure, and local community funds.”
“That is up to $449 million flowing into regional towns by 2030 alone.”
FCA warned that between $3.4 billion and $4.1 billion in host payments, council funding, and community benefits by 2050 could be lost if the NSW Government fails to make community support a key priority.
“The energy shift is a massive opportunity for rural NSW. But it needs clear rules, clear responsibilities and accountability,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
“We call for better road planning before heavy work starts, better coordination between government departments, and transparency about agreements with host farmers and neighbours.”
FCA said the NSW Government needed a stronger response if it wanted to keep the multi-billion dollar shift on track and keep energy secure.
The group said worn-out coal plants and high diesel prices made a modern regional grid essential for energy security in regional Australia.
“If not the energy shift, what else is bringing billions of dollars of guaranteed, drought-proof investment into our regional communities? Nothing else comes close,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
FCA pointed to March 2026 polling by 89 Degrees East showing a clear majority of residents living inside NSW Renewable Energy Zones support the shift to clean energy.
Chris Laurie said the region needed leaders willing to see the opportunity through.
“We want our kids to have a reason to come home and build a life here,” Chris Laurie said.
“We need civic leadership that looks beyond the noise, challenges misinformation and doesn’t put this opportunity in the too-hard basket.”
“If we let it slip, what’s the alternative? Get the safeguards right and get on with it.”
Like what you’re reading? Support New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now