The New South Wales Government has joined forces with NSW Farmers to launch a new guide to help empower landowners and community members to better navigate and understand the renewable energy transformation.
New South Wales Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe; New South Wales Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty; EnergyCo CEO, Hannah McCaughey, and NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin, visited the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) on Friday 11 April 2025 to launch the NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide.
Developed by NSW Farmers in collaboration with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the State Government, the guide is designed to ensure landowners in New South Wales are better-informed as they engage with developers, government agencies and contractors in the REZ and beyond.
The guide will assist landowners who are considering hosting wind, solar or battery projects, and those engaging with energy companies about transmission projects in their region.
It also aims to demystify the energy transition for neighbours and broader community members.
The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide includes:
- Information for landowners considering renewable energy projects, supporting them through negotiations and agreements with renewable energy developers
- Guidance about the processes involved in transmission design, planning and delivery
- Information about each party’s roles, rights and responsibilities
The guide stems from an agreement between NSW Farmers, EnergyCo and ACEREZ, the network operator for the REZ, to communicate with landholders and collaborate on projects to improve farmer, landholder and community understanding of the energy transition.
The State Government said renewable energy will bring huge opportunities for regional New South Wales.
The Central-West Orana REZ is expected to attract up to $20 billion in private investment to the region by 2030, creating 5000 construction jobs and opportunities for local suppliers.
The New South Wales Government is also investing $128 million in communities that host the Central-West Orana REZ, through grants for community groups and councils to inject funding into the area before major construction starts.
Ms Sharpe said the guide reflects the State Government’s commitment to working with farmers, landowners and others to give them the information they need to engage confidently in renewable energy projects.
“We thank NSW Farmers for their collaboration on this guide. It will be a go-to resource for individuals, businesses and communities as they seek information about the REZ.”
Ms Moriarty said the NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide will assist farmers as they navigate the opportunities and challenges involved in the transition to renewable energy in New South Wales.
“This guide will help landholders understand the potential impacts of development and their rights and responsibilities as well as how to maximise land productivity and benefit from new investment in the region.”
Ms McCaughey, said it is critical that landowners are across their rights and responsibilities, and the opportunities this once-in-a-generation project brings.
“Host communities are at the centre of the transition and should benefit from their role in it.”
Mr Martin said farmers are keen to understand how things work practically and what their options are as renewable energy development continues.
“By equipping farmers and their communities with that knowledge, this guide aims to help landholders navigate the transition, so we can get the right thing in the right place, built in the right way.”
New South Wales Independent Agriculture Commissioner, Alison Stone, said renewable energy offers farmers a powerful opportunity to drought-proof their income and strengthen resilience for the future.
“By working together to integrate renewables responsibly, we can not only safeguard our farms but also unlock new streams of income, creating a sustainable, thriving agricultural landscape for generations to come.”
Access the NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide here.
