This page provides information and resources to support the delivery of renewable energy and transmission projects, covering project approvals, environmental considerations, community engagement, and good practice approaches. It includes guidance, research and practical tools to help developers, communities and landholders better understand and participate in Australia's energy transition.
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Australian Government – Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy
2012
A website containing policy documents that explain how environmental offsets are used in project approvals under the EPBC Act. It sets out when offsets are needed and how they are assessed. The policy aims to improve consistency and transparency and supports better environmental outcomes.Infrastructure Australia
Assessment Framework Overview
An overview on how major infrastructure projects are assessed in Australia. Explains the steps to plan, assess and deliver projects. Covers a four-stage process from early planning to review after completion. Helps ensure projects are well planned and deliver good outcomes for the community.AEIC – Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Public Liability Insurance for Landholders Neighbouring Energy Infrastructure
December 2025
This statement looks at public liability insurance for landholders near energy projects. It explains concerns about risk and cost. It calls for a clear and consistent approach across Australia. It also states that landholders should not face higher insurance risks or costs due to nearby projects.Clean Energy Council
Renewable Energy and Property Values & Insurance – Fact Sheet
This fact sheet explains how energy projects may affect property prices and insurance. It shows that impacts are usually small, local, and short term. -
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
Impacts on birds and bats from onshore wind farms in Australia
A report on how wind farms can affect birds and bats. Explains risks like collisions and changes to habitats. Shows how impacts can be reduced through planning, monitoring, and better turbine design.AEIC – Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Position statement: Treatment of renewable energy assets at end of life – protection for landholders
October 2025
This statement looks at what happens when renewable energy projects reach the end of their life. It explains the need for clear rules and fair responsibility. It focuses on protecting landholders, so they are not left with clean-up costs. It also calls for a consistent approach across Australia.Clean Energy Council
Recycling in the future: sustainable solutions for renewable energy technologies
This fact sheet talks about what happens to renewable energy items when they are old. It says they can be recycled or reused. This cuts down on waste and saves resources. The fact sheet also says that project owners must clean up old sites. They must follow landowner contracts and rules.Re- Alliance
What happens when renewables approach end of life?
July 2025
A toolkit on what happens when renewable energy projects reach the end of their life. It explains options like replacing, upgrading, or removing projects.Clean Energy Council
Recycling and decommissioning of offshore wind turbines
A fact sheet on what happens to offshore wind turbines at the end of their life. Explains how turbines are removed and how materials can be recycled. Shows that most parts can be reused, and how sites are restored after projects finish. -
Australian Government – Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Community Engagement Review
February 2024
A report on improving community engagement for renewable energy projects. Shows key issues and ways to build trust and improve how projects work with communities.Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Developer Rating Scheme
A scheme to rate renewable energy and transmission companies. Shows how well they work with communities and landholders. Uses clear measures to assess performance and track record. Aims to improve transparency, build trust and support better project outcomes.CSIRO - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Australian attitudes toward the renewable energy transition
2024
Research papers on Australia’s shift to cleaner energy. Shows how energy is made, moved and used. Explains how the system is changing with new technology and infrastructure. Highlights challenges and opportunities for communities and the economy.Australian Government – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Regional Renewables: Community Showcase
Research on how communities view energy projects. Explains what social licence means and why trust matters. Shows how community views can affect project outcomes. Highlights the need for clear engagement and strong relationships.Essential Media
Talking Renewables to the Regions
July 2024
A research report on how people in regional Australia see renewable energy. Shows views, concerns, and levels of support. Highlights the need for clear information, trust, and better engagement in the energy transition.Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Community engagement for renewable energy infrastructure
A page on how communities are involved in energy projects. Explains the need for clear and meaningful engagement. Covers guidelines, support, and actions to build trust and improve outcomes for communities.The Energy Charter
Landholder & Community Better Practice Engagement Guide
September 2021
A guide on how energy projects should work with landholders and communities. Sets clear rules for respectful engagement. Covers impacts and how to manage them. Shows how to work together and share benefits. Aims to build trust and better outcomes.First Nations Clean Energy Network
Leading Principles: First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects
A set of guidelines for working with First Nations communities on renewable energy projects. Shows how to respect culture, land and rights. Focuses on early engagement, strong partnerships and fair benefits. Aims to support better outcomes for communities and projects.Clean Energy Council
First Nations engagement guide for the renewables industry
A guide on how renewable energy projects should work with First Nations communities. Sets clear expectations for respectful engagement. Covers partnership, consent and sharing benefits. Includes guidance for each stage of a project. Aims to improve outcomes and build trust.University of New South Wales
After 65,000 years caring for this land, First Nations peoples are now key to Australia’s clean energy revolution
December 2024
An article on the role of First Nations peoples in Australia’s clean energy transition. Shows why they should be central to projects on their land. Highlights the need for partnerships, early engagement and fair benefits. Explains how this can support jobs, culture and better outcomes for communities.The Next Economy, RE Alliance, Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and Projects JSA
Striking a new deal for renewables in regions
July 2025
A report on renewable energy in regional areas. Shows the need for clear information and local input. Highlights risks and benefits. Calls for fair outcomes for communities.Australian Government - Australian Senate Select Committee
The Integrity Gap: Restoring Trust in the Climate and Energy Debate
March 2026
A report on false information about climate and energy. It shows how it spreads and what is behind it. It explains how it affects communities and decisions. It calls for stronger action to improve trust and understanding.Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
State and territory government actions to improve community engagement with renewable energy infrastructure
A webpage on how state and territory governments support community engagement for renewable energy. Outlines plans, policies, and guidelines across Australia. Includes payment schemes and tools for landholders and communities.Community Power Agency
Power in Partnership: A guide to developing a community stake in renewable energy
March 2026
A guide on how communities can take part in renewable energy projects. Shows ways to share in benefits and have a say in projects. Includes examples and simple steps to get involved.The Energy Charter
Regional Energy Collaboration Framework
July 2025
A toolkit on how energy companies and communities can work together. Puts communities at the centre of the energy transition. Shows how to build shared plans, set clear roles and track outcomes. Aims to build trust and deliver real benefits for regional areas.Clean Energy Council
Best Practice Charter 2025
November 2025
A summary of how renewable energy projects are working with communities across Australia. Shares real examples from projects. Shows how developers engage, manage impacts, and share benefits. Highlights what good practice looks like in regional areas.Clean Energy Council
A guide to benefit sharing options for renewable energy projects
October 2019
A guide on how renewable energy projects can share benefits with communities. Shows different ways to provide support and involve local people. Includes simple examples and ideas.Regional Australia Institute
Regions get the REAL Deal: Innovative funding drives energy transition
A report on renewable energy in regional Australia. Shows how to deliver long-term benefits for communities. Proposes a new model for funding and local decision-making. Aims to create jobs and stronger regions.Community Power Agency
Guide to Regional Benefit Sharing
July 2025
A guide and recorded webinar on sharing benefits from renewable energy projects. Shows how to combine funds across projects. Helps communities plan and decide what matters most. Aims to create long-term benefits.Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Community engagement and benefits for electricity transmission projects
July 2024
A guide on how transmission projects should work with communities. Covers early engagement, listening to feedback and managing impacts. Aims to build trust and improve outcomes for communities and landholders.AEIC – Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Considerations for Offshore Wind Industry on Community Engagement
November 2023
A guide on how offshore wind projects should work with communities. Shows how to share information and listen to concerns. Encourages early engagement. Aims to build trust. -
RE-Alliance
Renewables done right
A webpage with a series of stories about renewable energy in regional areas. Shows how projects work on farms and in communities. Highlights benefits and what works well.Clean Energy Council
Doing renewables right
An initiative to improve how renewable energy projects are delivered. Focuses on working with communities and building trust. Supports clear information and sharing benefits. Aims to make projects work better.The Energy Charter
Better Practice Social Licence Guideline + Review
A guide on how energy projects can build trust with communities and landholders. Sets clear expectations to reduce impacts and create shared value. Includes practical actions to improve engagement and outcomes. Aims to build trust and support better project delivery.