Read the Guide to Regional Benefit Sharing
Executive Summary
Regional benefit sharing offers an unprecedented opportunity to harness the benefits of Australia’s energy transformation in regional, rural and remote Australia. As Australia accelerates its investment in clean energy, several regions have become host to multiple renewable energy projects, with many more in the planning pipeline. In the past, an area may have been host to a single energy project, with a single accompanying benefit sharing program. With the increasing number of energy projects being developed, the number of benefit sharing programs has grown accordingly.
Regional benefit sharing – which is defined as “the strategic aggregation of community benefit sharing programs associated with energy projects that are located in a common geographic region” – offers a powerful mechanism for communities to equitably access the benefits of renewable energy development and ensure that those benefits endure over time.
Community Power Agency first published its ‘Regional Benefit Sharing Discussion Paper: Creating strategic impacts for regions that host multiple renewable energy projects’ in 2023. The discussion paper explored the need for regional benefit sharing and why a coordinated approach is important. This ‘Guide to Regional Benefit Sharing’ builds on concepts outlined in the discussion paper by focusing on how regional leaders and stakeholders can design and implement effective regional benefit sharing programs tailored to their unique contexts.
This Guide outlines the fundamental principles, scope, governance models, and community engagement strategies necessary to build successful regional benefit sharing programs. It emphasises the importance of early stakeholder conversations, collaborative co-design, and alignment with existing local and state government policies.
There is a clear need to support communities to identify legacy priorities that may be funded through a regional benefit sharing program. This presents an opportunity to reduce the risk of engagement fatigue and empower communities to proactively plan, prioritise and deliver legacy outcomes from renewable energy development.
The Guide presents case studies from across Australia, showcasing diverse leadership models from community collaborations to government-led initiatives that illustrate practical approaches to overcoming barriers and realising collective benefits. Throughout, the central tenet remains clear – meaningful community participation and trust building are vital for creating positive, enduring outcomes from Australia’s energy transition.
This Guide is intended to support community leaders, local government, First Nation groups or policy writers seeking to develop a coordinated approach to benefit sharing in regional Australia. This includes supporting First Nations self-determination, ensuring respectful engagement and recognising their unique rights and interests in the energy transition.
Webinar: launching our Guide to Regional Benefit Sharing
