Billions in the bush: Renewable energy for regional prosperity
Read our report on the economic benefits clean energy is delivering to farmers and regional communities across Australia.
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18 Nov 2024
Large-scale renewable energy projects are estimated to deliver $1 billion to farmers and $200 million to regional communities by 2030, according to our report with Farmers for Climate Action.
Renewables are not only keeping the lights on as coal plants reach the end of their technical life, but they’re also creating jobs and alternative income streams and benefits right across Australian communities.
The report shows farmers can earn $38,500 to $45,500 per year from hosting a typical 7MW turbine and up to $1,250 per hectare from solar. For comparison, a beef farmer can expect returns of $1,500 per hectare per year in a good year.
Our analysis shows contributions are expected to deliver $213 million by 2030 and $1.9 billion to 2050, supporting regional communities to thrive.
Based on total renewable capacity, farmers and landholders in NSW are expected to receive $290 million - $371 million by 2030, while those in Queensland are expected to receive $220 million - $274 million; those in Victoria are expected to receive $238 million - $288 million, those in South Australia are expected to receive $109 million - $132 million and those in Tasmania are expected to receive $41 million to $48 million.
The report only looks at the National Electricity Market, covering eastern and southern states and territories.
Quarterly Investment Report: Large-scale renewable generation and storage, Q4 2025
The Clean Energy Council’s latest Quarterly Investment Report has found Q4 2025 outperformed all other quarters on record, with nine wind and solar farms switched on, totalling 2.1 GW of new capacity.
More renewables powered up in Q4 2025 than ever before, breaking new records - report finds
More renewable electricity was switched on in the final quarter of 2025 than in any other quarter on record, according to the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) latest quarterly investment report, released today.
Our submission to AEMC’s draft report broadly supports proposed reforms but cautions against fixed network charges, which disincentivise solar investment and unfairly increase the relative costs for smaller energy users.
Submission on AEMO's Draft 2026 Integrated Systems Plan
Our submission on AEMO's ‘optimal development path’ (ODP) for generation, storage and network investments to meet consumer needs and government policies, at least cost.
Submission on an Energy Industry Jobs Plan for Yallourn Power Station
This submission reviews the transitional opportunities available for coal workers in offshore wind, including an overview of the emerging industry, projected workforce demand, and key occupations. It draws attention to previous work undertaken to map pathways for workers seeking to transition to roles in offshore wind, and recent investments in local training and education facilities necessary to upskill the next generation of workers.
Peak energy industry bodies have called on Energy Ministers to ensure industry is thoroughly involved and consulted in the reported review of Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) governance arrangements.
