MEDIA RELEASE
4th December 2025
Public liability for landholders neighbouring renewable energy projects clarified
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) Tony Mahar has released a position statement addressing concerns held by landholders relating to public liability insurance and renewable energy infrastructure.
The Commissioner recently brought together stakeholders from the renewable energy industry, the insurance sector and from farming groups to discuss a pathway forward which would clarify questions and provide certainty for communities and landholders.
All stakeholders agreed there was a lack of clarity and certainty in the insurance space, which was making a difficult task more difficult.
Mr Mahar said, “Landholders living nearby to renewable infrastructure should not face increased insurance liability or costs. This collaborative initiative aims to help build social licence, a genuine partnership with rural and regional communities, and improve landholder confidence.”
There was agreement that to deliver confidence for landholders, predictability for developers/operators, and certainty for governments and insurers, a nationally consistent framework on public liability insurance is essential. The national framework would apply to large wind and solar farms, batteries, pumped hydro, and transmission projects.
The Commissioner’s view, which was supported by the insurance industry, renewables sector and farming groups is that the community expects fair and reasonable protection from liability resulting from accidental damage to infrastructure.
The adoption of a model, where developers/operators of renewable energy facilities would contractually protect neighbouring landholders for losses or liability involving project infrastructure, should be pursued.
Mr Mahar said, “The respective stakeholders have agreed to work collaboratively to establish and develop an insurance product or policy that supports this national approach and communicate these products to developers/operators and landholders through established channels.”
The Clean Energy Council have expressed strong support for the progression of the initiative and look forward to working with AEIC on this initiative.
William Churchill - Chief Policy and Impact Officer at Clean Energy Council says “This is ultimately about being a good neighbour and community member. Clean energy projects succeed when the people who live alongside them feel respected and protected, and this approach is a practical demonstration of that commitment.”
The AEIC looks forward to continuing to engage with developers, insurers, farming groups, and regulators to develop a simple, nationally consistent approach, with the AEIC playing an oversight role to ensure fairness and transparency.
The position statement is available at:
Position Statement Public Liability Insurance for Landholders Neighbouring Energy Infrastructure