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.
Planned upgrades to WA's main grid a welcome boost to state's energy transition
The Clean Energy Council welcomes the release of the new South-West Interconnected System (SWIS) Transmission plan by the Cook Government, setting out a schedule of upgrades to expand transmission infrastructure and unlock over 2 GW of renewable generation capacity by 2030, and strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses and supply chains in delivering this critical component of the state’s energy transition.
Wind, solar, hydro and storage powering Australia's path to 2035
The Clean Energy Council welcomes today’s announcement by the Federal Government and Climate Change Authority in setting Australia’s next emissions reduction target. These targets are essential to give investors and communities the confidence that Australia is serious about delivering on its climate commitments.
Australia's clean fuel future has plenty in the tank
The Clean Energy Council has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement of more than $1 billion to establish a domestic low-carbon liquid fuels industry, describing it as a landmark step in decarbonising Australia’s hardest-to-abate sectors.
Offshore wind support critical to regional Victoria
While today's announcement by the Victorian Government to delay the Victorian offshore wind procurement process is disappointing, we appreciate this will provide more time to ensure the first auction is well-placed to succeed, ultimately seeing the offshore wind sector supporting local regional development for communities in the Latrobe Valley - home to the Gippsland offshore wind zone.
Australia powers ahead on rooftop solar as nation set to achieve 2030 rooftop target - new report
Rooftop solar generated power for more than 4.2 million homes and small businesses - delivered 12.8 per cent of Australia’s electricity in first half of 2025.
