Better Practice Social Licence Guideline + Review

An accountability pathway for better practice 

The #Better Practice Social Licence Guideline exists for one reason: to lift trust through transparent commitments and independent scrutiny. It sets clear expectations for how transmission and renewable businesses minimise impacts, improve co-existence with agriculture, and deliver shared value — and then prove progress publicly through a structured accountability cycle.

This is not a static guideline. It is a living, independently informed improvement pathway.

Better Practice Social Licence Guideline + Review

Better Practice Social Licence Guideline

Better Practice Social Licence Summary

2024 Independent Review​

Priority Commitments 2024-25

Walking the talk on better practice

We don’t mark our own homework. The Guideline is backed by a rolling accountability program designed to drive continuous improvement, grounded in evidence and co-design with the people most affected.

1. Independent research (2022)

The Guideline was informed by independent lived experience research into landholder and agricultural stakeholder experiences, risks and priorities. This evidence base ensured the work was grounded in real-world impacts, not theory.

2. Co-design of the Guideline (2023)

The Guideline itself was co-designed with agriculture, community and industry voices ensuring it reflects practical on-the-ground realities and shared expectations for better practice. This collaborative design phase established the initial actions and focus areas for improving social licence with agricultural communities.

3. Independent review + public report (2024)

In June 2024, Nine Creeks Consulting completed the first independent review — informed by community and transmission business input — with practical recommendations for improvement.

This review tested whether implementation was delivering meaningful change.

4. Co-designed Priority Commitments (late 2024)

Following the review, our Community Outcomes Group and Industry Collaborators jointly distilled the learning into 20 Priority Commitments to focus effort where it matters most. These commitments sharpen accountability and make progress measurable.

5. Quarterly reporting to the Ag Energy Taskforce (2023-2025)

Collaborators provide quarterly updates through the Ag Energy Taskforce to keep momentum and accountability live. This creates regular visibility of progress, barriers and emerging risks.

6. Independent review by ANU (2026)

A second independent review by Next Generation Engagement, ANU is scheduled for 2026 to assess progress against the Priority Commitments with Ag Energy Taskforce engagement and publish findings.

This closes the loop — and sets the next cycle of improvement.

Guideline Released

Priority Actions + Better Practice Opportunities identified

12-Month Independent Review

First independent review complete

Renewed commitment

Renewed commitment and priority actions set

Report on progress

Renewed commitment and priority actions set

Second independent review

Second independent review (public report on our progress)

Mid 2023
Mid 2024
Late 2024
Throughout 2025
Early 2026

 Collaboration  

Every stage of this #BetterTogether initiative has been a collaboration – from designing the landholder survey, to analysing the results and developing the Better Practice Guideline. 

Community Outcomes Group (COG) – Ag Energy Taskforce, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Bundaberg Regional Irrigators Group, National Farmers’ Federation, National Irrigators Council, RE-Alliance, Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Queensland Farmers’ Federation and Victorian Farmers Federation.  

Industry Collaborators – AusNet Services (VIC), Powerlink Queensland (QLD), TasNetworks (TAS) and Transgrid (NSW) and MarinusLink.

Research partnerKPMG Australia.