More data doesn’t fix community concern. In fact, it can often make it worse.

In many projects across QLD and NSW, the instinctive response to community resistance is to provide more information. We release more studies, more technical detail, more reports. On paper, this makes sense. If people are concerned, surely better data will resolve the issue.

The race to roll out renewable energy in NSW is reshaping regional communities but many residents and councils in renewable energy zones (REZ) are reaching breaking point. These projects promise cleaner power, new jobs, and regional investment. Yet, for those living within REZs, the constant stream of consultation has become overwhelming. Principal Engagement and Social Planning Alysia Bradshaw explains.

Hosting large-scale renewable projects can be a tough pill to swallow for many regional communities. In addition to environmental impacts, there are increasing concerns about the impact-benefit imbalance.

Anxiety and uncertainty within a hosting community can very quickly transform into project opposition, bringing both significant challenges and added time and costs to project approvals.

When it comes to project management, we know that good record-keeping is a must. We track budgets and deliverables, milestones and hold points. We have project control groups and RFI registers and every process to ensure we meet our timeframes. But how are you capturing your stakeholder interactions?

With Australia’s 2030 climate targets looming, the energy transition conversation is ramping up.

When in industry conversations with our colleagues, clients and peers, three key themes often arise, so we thought we’d share them.