ALGA submission to AEIC Review of community engagement practices

This submission outlines the opportunities but also the issues facing our councils with the roll out of new renewable energy infrastructure, and the need for a nationally coordinated approach. [...] Coordination and collaboration with local government in the planning processes The role local government plays in the development consent process varies across each jurisdiction. [...] It is important, for example, to ensure there are state or territory contributions plans in place to ensure local communities’ benefit from local government services and infrastructure as a result of the installation of renewable energy infrastructure. [...] Collaboration between the three levels of government up front to improve the state and territory regulatory frameworks is needed to improve local outcomes and expedite renewable energy infrastructure. [...] Recommendations • To work with state, territory, and local governments to coordinate and collaborate on planning controls for renewable energy infrastructure that will provide certainty for investors in our renewable energy future and ensure the best outcomes for our local communities.