Large scale renewables projects for rural communities

The development of large-scale renewables projects in Australia is increasing rapidly and represent a significant form of infrastructure investment for rural economies. Assessing the broader impacts to rural communities and economies is a critical step in developing best practice guidelines to maximise benefits for rural communities and communicate these benefits to all stakeholders.

The research project comprises three segments:

1. A systematic literature review of social, ecological and economic impacts associated with large scale infrastructure developments in rural areas.
2. A multi-regional economic model for large-scale renewables projects to provide a comprehensive picture of socio-ecological impacts.
3. The development of a best practice guide to facilitate the development of large-scale renewables project which maximise benefits to rural communities.

Project Benefits

Identification of best practice for large-scale infrastructure developments in rural areas to maximise benefits to rural communities

Decision making support for stakeholders including Local Government Authorities through the development of an adapted multi-regional economic model focused on economic, social and ecological impacts.

Increased corporate understanding of the contribution of rural renewables projects to decarbonisation strategies.