Council demands fair deal on renewables

22nd Jul 2025

Armidale Regional Council (ARC) is calling on the NSW Government to take urgent action on what it describes as a deeply flawed planning approach to the New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ), warning that local communities are bearing the brunt of the state’s renewable ambitions without seeing proportional benefits.
Mayor Sam Coupland appeared before the NSW Parliament last week, advocating for a more locally driven and equitable rollout of the NEREZ. He argued that while the initiative is vital for achieving net zero emissions, it must also serve as a vehicle for meaningful regional development.
“To date, the NEREZ has been treated largely as an infrastructure pipeline for Sydney’s energy needs,” Mayor Coupland said.
“But we are the hosts, and our communities are experiencing the impacts first-hand—from housing shortages and water stress to inadequate infrastructure and waste management systems.”
Mayor Coupland highlighted that Armidale Council has proactively developed its own community benefit-sharing framework and has negotiated voluntary planning agreements (VPAs) with renewable energy companies. The Council has also implemented a regional water security strategy to prepare for growth. However, without financial and structural backing from the NSW Government, the mayor says the region is being set up to fail.
“We support renewables, but support must go both ways,” said Coupland.
“Our region is rich in renewable energy resources, and we deserve a ‘most favoured nation’ deal. If we host it, we should benefit from it.”
Echoing Council’s concerns, Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan called on the NSW Government to take local feedback seriously. He said residents, landholders, and local officials have voiced widespread dissatisfaction with the planning process.
“No one is opposing renewables,” Moylan said.
“But every single person who spoke at the inquiry demanded fairness and genuine engagement.
“It’s time the State Government stopped treating us as an afterthought.”
Both ARC and Moylan are calling for a coordinated, place-based strategy that directly invests in the communities hosting renewable infrastructure. Without it, they warn, public support will falter, and the full potential of the NEREZ—both as an energy hub and regional development opportunity—will go unrealised.

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Council demands fair deal on renewables

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