Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Meets with South Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils

South Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils were pleased to host Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar to discuss Gippsland’s emerging renewable energy industry and the opportunities and challenges it presents for local communities.

The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner is an independent role tasked with helping to make the shift to renewable energy smoother and fairer. The role is politically agnostic and focused on achieving positive outcomes for communities, rather than debating the merits of the transition itself.

The Commissioner works with communities, industry and all levels of government to improve engagement with the Federal government, help resolve concerns and provide trusted information about Australia’s energy transition.

A joint meeting hosted in Sale gave Councillors an opportunity to hear what the Commissioner has been learning from communities across Australia and to discuss the challenges councils face when navigating the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government.

The Commissioner advised that, regardless of the type of renewable energy infrastructure proposed, communities across the country are consistently calling for genuine engagement, clear information about planning and approval processes, and confidence that they will not be left worse off as a result of the transition.

Both councils reinforced the importance of engaging communities early, listening to local concerns and ensuring the costs and impacts of new energy infrastructure are not unfairly borne by host communities or local ratepayers.

Importantly, the meeting gave Councillors from both shires an opportunity to share strategic insights, hear different perspectives and identify areas where the councils can work together to help ensure their communities benefit from the emerging offshore wind industry.

In addition to meeting with the two councils, the Commissioner spoke with renewable energy proponents and other government representatives to hear a range of perspectives on the region’s energy transition.

Quotes attributable to the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Tony Mahar:

“It was a real pleasure to be back in Gippsland to get an understanding of the impacts and opportunities and meet and hear the views of community groups, developers and Councils. There are a range of challenges and opportunities that are in front of the Gippsland community and I congratulate the South Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils for their collaborative and proactive approach which will allow them to shape good outcomes for their regions.”

Quotes attributable to South Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Nathan Hersey:

“We greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Mahar and thank him for listening to our concerns and helping us explore a way through the challenges associated with the renewable energy transition.”

“Our councils recognise that new energy development is coming to our region as a result of state and federal government policy decisions. However, local communities and ratepayers cannot reasonably be expected to carry the cost of providing the additional infrastructure and services needed to support these projects.”

“With the expectation of a new industry, also comes the expectation from our community that we will be financially supported to see benefits, not only now, but into the future.”

“The meeting with the Commissioner provided an important opportunity for our ideas and concerns to be heard.”

Quotes attributable to Wellington Shire Mayor, Cr Cindy Madeley:

“It was a pleasure to host Commissioner Mahar and hear what communities across the country are experiencing as Australia’s energy transition progresses.”

“Our councils are seeking genuine and lasting benefits for our communities, including local jobs and broader social benefits that recognise the impacts this transition will have.”

“The shift to renewable energy will bring significant change to our region. Our communities must have a meaningful voice throughout the process and confidence that they will not be left worse off.”

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