Local governments in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland are advocating for a more significant role in planning renewable energy projects.

Currently, local councils in these states have limited authority in approving developments, particularly wind projects, which fall under state government jurisdiction.

Linda Scott, President of the Australian Local Government Association, says local government engagement is vital. 

She says having local governments involved in planning results in “better community acceptance” and “speedier approvals”.

Cr Scott says that when local governments are not involved, project proponents often overlook crucial community consultations, leading to mixed results.

Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg - whose electorate includes most of the land used for the MacIntyre wind farm in Southern Queensland - has expressed his desire for greater local council involvement in such projects. 

“We’re not talking about being frustrating and just saying no for the sake of it. We understand state priorities and prerogatives, but in many ways that just sees things being waved through, often without consideration for local communities,” Springborg said.

Springborg said there is an imbalance between the scale of the MacIntyre wind farm and its local economic benefits. 

“If we are hosting this for the benefit of our state or our nation or our planet, surely those hosting should be able to be a major beneficiary of economic opportunity,"”he added.

Former Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Andrew Dyer, argues that final planning approvals should remain with state and territory governments. 

"The planning processes for wind, solar, and storage systems are very complex. By centralising planning, you centralise expertise," he said.

The Southern Downs Regional Council, which also has a portion of the MacIntyre wind farm, is calling for more local control over community benefit funds. 

“We don’t want to be at the whim of the proponent deciding to do a few community charity items that they choose. No one understands your local issues better than people on the ground,” said Mayor Melissa Hamilton.

Darriea Turley, President of Local Government NSW, as stressed the need for careful management of the energy transition to reduce pressure on housing and infrastructure in regional communities. 

She suggested that local governments should control community benefit funds, allowing for collective management to fund significant projects like swimming pools and road upgrades. Dubbo Regional Council, located within the NSW central-west Orana renewable energy zone, faces a surge in renewable energy projects, with 37 planned, proposed, or under construction. 

Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson says there is a lack of policy to guide negotiations with energy developers. 

“You want to get as much money as can for your community, but how much is the right amount? What’s fair and reasonable?” Cr Dickerson said.