MEDIA RELEASE
19 October 2026
Regional business owners and farmers have urged NSW MPs to give communities a stronger role in shaping renewable energy development, bringing practical proposals for local jobs, contracting opportunities, better services and lasting benefits to Parliament last week.
The delegation included representatives from three Renewable Energy Zones (REZs): Mudgee business leader Grant Gjessing from the Central-West Orana REZ, farmer Monica Morona from Hay in the South West REZ, and farmer Warwick Fletcher from Walcha in the New England REZ.
They joined other regional representatives, including Crookwell farmer and wind farm neighbour Dimity Taylor, for meetings with MPs across the political spectrum on 14 and 15 October.
Delegates called for support to help local businesses win contracts supplying goods and services to renewable energy projects, investment in infrastructure and services that communities need, and meaningful involvement in decisions affecting their towns.
Business Mudgee President and local crane business operator Grant Gjessing said regional businesses were ready to contribute their skills and experience to the renewable energy build.
“We've got highly skilled people and businesses in Mudgee who have spent years working in mining. Those skills can transfer to building power lines, wind farms and solar projects,” Mr Gjessing said.
“When local workshops are busy, the benefits flow through the town — people buy vehicles, spend in local shops and have the confidence to build a home.
“For our builders, electricians, steel fabricators and heavy diesel mechanics, this is also a chance to bring young people into apprenticeships and traineeships. But those opportunities depend on local businesses getting the work.”
The delegation’s call coincided with the passage of the NSW Government’s Local Jobs First legislation, which prioritises local workers and businesses in government procurement. Delegates want renewable energy investment to deliver lasting opportunities in the communities hosting the build.
South West REZ farmer Monica Morona said communities had clear ideas about what renewable energy investment should leave behind.
“We didn't choose to have a REZ or a new transmission line, but we've gotten on the front foot to make the best of it,” Ms Morona said.
“We want infrastructure that lasts beyond construction — housing, health services, childcare and better education.
“Our communities have good ideas and we want to be part of finding the solutions. Governments need to ask us how we want these things to happen, rather than just telling us.”
Among the practical proposals Ms Morona brought to Parliament was government support for a business concierge to help local firms develop skills and gain the accreditation needed to compete for major project contracts.
Crookwell merino sheep farmer and physiotherapist Dimity Taylor, who lives beside Gullen Range Wind Farm and is also a board member of RE-Alliance, said MPs needed to hear from people with direct experience of living alongside renewable energy projects.
“Our closest turbine is about 1.2 kilometres away. We sleep well, the noise doesn't impose on us, and we can run our sheep business really well,” Ms Taylor said.
“It can be intimidating to speak positively about renewable energy in your own community when the negative voices are so loud. That means you don't always hear the positive stories.
“I wanted MPs to hear that the debate online doesn't tell the whole story. We need to address people's concerns, but we shouldn't miss the opportunity these projects can offer regional communities.”
The delegation was organised by community not-for-profit RE-Alliance and comes ahead of the NSW Government’s response to the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of Renewable Energy Zones on rural and regional communities, due on 29 October.
RE-Alliance is calling on the NSW Government to act on the inquiry’s recommendations by strengthening EnergyCo’s coordination role, clarifying responsibilities across government, providing recurrent funding for councils, and planning ahead for pressures on roads, water supply and workforce accommodation.
Media opportunities: Interviews with Grant Gjessing, Monica Morona and Dimity Taylor. Delegation photographs available here.
ENDS
About us:
The Renewable Energy Alliance, or RE-Alliance, is an independent not-for-profit organisation working for a responsible shift to renewable energy that strengthens our regions. The organisation operates across Australia, with more than a decade of experience working with regional communities navigating all forms of renewable energy, transmission and storage.
Contact details:
MEDIA CONTACT
Monica Tan on 0425 243 750 or via [email protected]
