REZ inquiry highlights importance of social planning

Last month the Legislative Council’s Portfolio Committee No. 4 - Regional NSW handed down its final report into the impact of renewable energy zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries in NSW.  The inquiry contained specific findings related to social impact assessment (SIA) and recommended the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure review the SIA process so assessments are standardised, independently verified, and expanded. As a qualified and experienced SIA practitioner working across two REZs in NSW, we asked our Senior Social Planner Sonya Pascoe to share her views on the report.