Uralla Shire Council says the local government area, at the heart of the NSW Government’s New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), is well positioned to play a central role in the state’s renewable energy future.
A recent announcement by the NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment, Penny Sharpe, confirmed an initial $60 million investment in local infrastructure, services and employment opportunities across the New England REZ.
The funding will be delivered through EnergyCo’s Community and Employment Benefit Program (CEBP), with a focus on ensuring that communities such as Uralla benefit directly from the transition to renewable energy.
The upfront investment is designed to deliver tangible community benefits before construction on major REZ projects begins. Over time, the Government says the fund will be bolstered by ongoing access fees paid by renewable energy generators connecting to the zone, creating a sustained pipeline of funding for local priorities.
“Importantly, EnergyCo has committed to working closely with councils and communities to co-design how this funding is allocated, ensuring it reflects local priorities and supports long-term regional prosperity,” the Council said.
“For smaller rural councils like Uralla Shire, this represents a significant opportunity.”
It says targeted investment in infrastructure, workforce development and essential services can help address longstanding challenges while preparing the region for growth associated with large-scale renewable energy development.
The recent announcement coincided with the New England REZ Forum (pictured), hosted by the University of New England in Armidale this month. Uralla Shire played a key role in organising the event, which brought together leaders from government, industry, research and the
community to explore how the region can position itself as a key hub in the state’s clean energy transition.
Discussions across the two-day forum focused on critical enablers of regional success, including workforce accommodation, water security, skills and training pathways, and strengthening local supply chains.
“For Uralla and neighbouring councils, these issues are highly relevant, as growth brings both economic opportunity and increased demand on local infrastructure and services,” the Council says.
It says the presence of senior stakeholders – including the Mayors of Uralla, Armidale and Walcha, the Minister for Energy, and EnergyCo’s Chief Executive Officer – underscored the importance of the New England REZ and the strong commitment to regional engagement.
“For Uralla, the implications are clear. As renewable energy development accelerates across the New England, proactive planning, community engagement and strategic investment will be essential. The CEBP provides a pathway to ensure that growth aligns with community priorities, supporting improved services, stronger local economies and an enhanced quality of life.”
Uralla Shire Council has released its draft Renewable Energy Action Plan for public feedback, outlining how industry and government can work together to manage the anticipated impacts from an influx of temporary renewable energy workers at peak construction times, and ensure the Shire is prepared.
“With initial funding secured and further investment expected over time, the region is well placed to harness the opportunities of the renewable energy transition.”
“The challenge, and opportunity, will be to ensure that the benefits are shared locally, and that communities like Uralla remain at the centre of decision-making as the New England takes its place as a cornerstone of NSW’s energy future,” Council stated.
