Regional Conference of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW held in Echidna Gully, east of Armidale

Speaking at the Regional Conference of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Dr Jarra Hicks, director of the Community Power Agency, said these projects involve local people in developing and owning renewable energy, thereby bringing a range of local benefits.

Held at Echidna Gully near Armidale from June 4 to 5, the 2022 conference was co-hosted by Sustainable Living Armidale, Climate Action Armidale, and the Armidale Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW.

Read also:

The conference theme of ' Nature, Climate Change and Renewables' explored the challenges of how we can protect nature and cultural heritage, and respond to the impacts of climate change while undertaking the necessary transition to renewable energy.

Dr Hicks said community owned or subscribed renewable energy projects have grown hugely over the last few years and there are now 110 community energy groups around the country with 150 projects up and running.

'When communities are involved transparently, people get to know what's going on and are kept in broad consultation," Dr Hicks said.

"This creates a better social license and stronger community support. And because they tend to develop local projects that are more appropriate, these also help protect nature and the natural values of the particular area. They take nature into account."

And at the government level, northern communities are joining together to seek better local outcomes through the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Armidale Mayor Sam Coupland said, when he also addressed the conference.

"The REZ is an opportunity to create region-building initiatives," he said.

If engagement of community is key, New England is on the forefront of this, Chris Gambian, the CEO of the Nature Conservation Council observed.

"Local people know how important the protection of nature is for future generations," Mr Gambian said.

"So, as is happening here in New England, communities need to come together, find common ground and take action together. You don't need to be a greenie to see that nature supports us and that our future depends on addressing the causes and consequences of climate change."

Other speakers at the conference, which ran over two days and attracted more than 100 attendees from as far away as the NSW south coast, included the executive officer of the National Parks Association of NSW, Gary Dunnett, regenerative farmer and holistic grazing manager Tim Wright, and local groups who showcased a variety of initiatives.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: