October 18, 2024
The South Burnett Sustainable Future Network (SBSFN) hosted a forum in Kingaroy earlier this month to allow a sharing of information about renewable energy projects and provide insights from other regions in Australia.
The get-together was held at the Kingaroy RSL Club on October 7, and was facilitated by Dr Tom Dixon from RE-Alliance, a community-based organisation “working to secure a renewable energy transformation filled with sustainable, long-term benefits for regional Australia”.
The other guest speakers included:
- Clare Silcock, from the Queensland Conservation Council, who talked about the need for greater planning around renewable projects to get them in the “right place” as both nature and climate had to be protected. She said the biodiversity and climate crises were “inextricable linked” and that solar and wind power were the most effective ways to address climate change and conserve ecosystems.
- Gary Lees, from RELA – an organisation which aims to assist farmers approached by renewables developers to get a fair deal – said that by getting the right support, landholders could determine their own futures, both in terms of location and benefits.
- Renee King, from Western Downs Futures – a community collaboration with industry supported by the Western Downs Regional Council – spoke about “working together” and “balancing needs” to harness renewables investment for lasting benefits for the whole community.
Suzanne Mungall, from the South Burnett Sustainable Future Network, said the main aim of the day was to share information, hear ideas and get comments from the community.
She said the feedback gathered was that people wanted to be consulted about the energy transition and be involved in planning.
Benefits to the community should include local employment, investment, training and wildlife reserves.
“Your generosity in respectfully listening to others and sharing your perspective made the event a great success for our community,” Suzanne said.
“We hope you have taken away some more knowledge, new perspectives, greater connections and fresh ideas of how to support our community to benefit from the energy transition.”
