What are the benefits to the local community?

The Project is estimated to generate 1,652 regional jobs (person years) over the construction period and support approximately 63 jobs in the region per year during the operation of the facility. The Project will support the employment of local contractors through the establishment of a contractors’ register list, and increased business opportunities as flow-on effects in nearby towns. RES will be seeking local procurement, training and employment opportunities. Employment benefits will extend through local supply chains to businesses like fuel supply, vehicle servicing, uniform suppliers, hotels/motels, B&B’s, cafés, pubs, catering, cleaning companies, tradespersons, tool & equipment suppliers, earth moving and many other businesses.

During construction, it is estimated the Project will contribute over $287 million to the Lower North and Barossa region economy and over $661 million to the South Australian economy.

RES is committed to supporting the regional communities that host our renewable energy projects. Should the Project proceed to construction, a Community Benefit Sharing Program will provide over $15 million of direct benefits to the local community and project neighbours during the 30+ year operating life of the Project. Early discussions with local Council staff and community organisation representatives from the Kapunda, Eudunda, and Truro areas have commenced to ensure the program captures the local community's needs. Funding will go towards community identified projects, local community groups, and local community organisations as determined by the community.

Will there be economic opportunities for local people?   

It is likely that the skills and numbers of workers required to deliver the Project may not be available locally or from close proximity to the site. RES will work with the selected contractor/s to examine the potential for local employment and to identify areas where learning and upskilling can occur to maximise the possibility. If you are looking to start a career in renewables or transition to a career in renewables, there are many ways you can be involved in this exciting and growing industry. You can search jobs on the Clean Energy Council website here.

Other possible indirect opportunities to create economic benefit from the Project may include property rental, catering, coffee carts, hotels/motels, and other enterprises, subject to Council approval.  

How will you/have you consulted with the community?  

RES is committed to clear, honest, and transparent community engagement through all stages of a project lifecycle from initial site selection through to planning, construction and operations. The company’s approach to engagement is heavily influenced by and consistent with the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Development.

Engagement with the community on the optimised Project included three community information session held prior to the submission of the Development Application documentation in 2023. Invitations were issued using a newsletter, news advertisements in the Barossa Leader and emails to stakeholders on the Project mailing list. These sessions provided general information on proposed changes to the Project, as well as its potential impacts including visual and noise assessments.

 Prior to the Development Application consultation period, local community and Councils were notified of the upcoming notification period and where a copy of the full planning documentation could be found online to provide comment. Hard copies of the Planning Application documentation were available for viewing at the Kapunda Office of the Light Regional Council; the Eudunda Office of the Regional Council of Goyder and the Cambrai Office of the Mid Murray Council.

  We will continue to engage and provide information on the Project as it progresses through:  

• Community Information sessions;  
• Our dedicated website
• Newsletters and Project updates in local publications;  
• One on One meetings with adjoining residents (face to face or remotely);  
• Meetings with Councils and key community organisations; and
• Prompt response to enquiries received via the website, email or 1800 number.

Will the commitments to the community be upheld if the Project is sold?  

Financial and in-kind commitments to the community that are formalised in the development of the Project will transfer as obligations to a new project owner. Community fund, decommissioning and property costs are built into the financial model of a project, and these will be maintained irrespective of the project owner. 

Are wind farms and batteries expensive and inefficient compared to other energy sources?  

The cost to build and operate a renewable energy project is far less than the cost to build and operate coal, nuclear and gas projects (3 to 4 times cheaper). CSIRO publishes information about the costs of different types of energy generation in their annual GenCost report. 

You can read more in this article.