Putting communities at the heart of Australia’s energy transition
Australia’s shift to renewable energy represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for regional communities to shape their economic futures. The Regional Energy Collaboration Framework (RECF) provides a structured approach for communities and energy businesses to work together effectively, ensuring that regional Australia is an active partner in – and beneficiary of – our clean energy future.
“Partnerships are challenging, and this Collaboration Framework encourages energy businesses to reflect on their engagement practices and, more importantly, improve them. We know that progress can be made, and all partners are committed to working together to make this happen. This exemplifies how effective collaboration can create better outcomes, garner respect and empower communities as equal stakeholders in Australia’s energy future. A partnership done well means we are #BetterTogether.”
Chris Sounness, CEO, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development
What is the Regional Energy Collaboration Framework?
The Regional Energy Collaboration Framework is a practical, replicable approach to help regional communities and energy businesses work together effectively during Australia’s ongoing shift to clean energy. It helps communities and energy businesses collaborate to build Regional Energy Collaboration Agreements (RECAs) – place-based partnerships that outline shared values, commitments and responsibilities.
Developed from the successful Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Energy Collaboration, the RECF provides a proven process that can be adapted for communities across Australia.
Key Objectives:
- Put regional communities at the centre of new energy projects
- Foster trust and meaningful dialogue between communities and energy businesses
- Ensure benefits from renewable energy projects are co-designed with local communities
- Create clear, transparent processes for collaboration and delivering shared outcomes
- Build regional resilience through the energy transition.
The opportunity: Working #BetterTogether
Regional Australian communities are at the heart of our renewable energy future, yet many don’t see lasting benefits from hosting energy infrastructure. When renewable energy companies work in isolation rather than collaborating, opportunities for meaningful community benefits can be missed.
By bringing energy companies together to work directly with communities and co-design benefits, we can create real value for regional Australia – from local jobs and economic opportunities to environmental and social benefits that strengthen communities for the long term.
How it works: Building a Regional Energy Collaboration
The RECF guides communities and energy businesses through a structured process to develop a Regional Energy Collaboration Agreement:
- Bring together the right people – Local leaders,
energy companies, and key stakeholders - Co-design a shared process – Develop the collaboration framework
that works for your region - Identify regional priorities – Determine what matters most to your
community - Define commitments and responsibilities
– Agree on shared values and actions - Be accountable – Track your commitments transparently.
The result is a place-based Regional Energy Collaboration Agreement that provides:
- A seat at the table for communities through respectful, meaningful engagement
- Clear articulation of community needs for all energy businesses in the region
- A platform for collective commitments to deliver real, tangible benefits
- Collaborative approaches to managing community impacts
- Transparent tracking of outcomes and commitments.
Case Study: Wimmera Southern Mallee
The Wimmera Southern Mallee (WSM) Regional Energy Collaboration provides a pioneering example of what’s possible when communities and energy businesses work together.
Started in 2023, this collaboration brought together 10 renewable energy developers and transmission businesses with WSM Development to create a structured framework for community engagement, impact management and benefit sharing.
Key achievements include:
- Creation of a Regional Energy Collaboration Agreement with agreed values and commitments
- Development of the Regional Partners Forum for ongoing co-design and dialogue
- Collective action projects addressing youth employment, fire risk management, mental health support and more
- Improved transparency in communication between energy companies and the community
- Workshops on succession planning, floodplain management, agricultural technology, and sustainability
“You can’t change the community. You can only change what you do. If we act with purpose, transparency, and respect – trust will return. Let’s be part of a shift that benefits farmers, communities, and the nation.”
Chris Sounness, CEO, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development
Why transparency matters
A central principle of successful Regional Energy Collaborations is transparency about commitments, actions and outcomes. This includes:
- Listing commitments in locations accessible to the community
- Highlighting what’s been delivered and what’s in progress
- Showing both project delivery activities and the lasting legacy created
- Helping governments align support programs with community needs
- Building community trust through visibility
- Helping developers avoid duplication and reputational risk.
Get involved
The Energy Charter is working to bring the Regional Energy Collaboration Framework to communities across Australia. Here’s how you can get involved:
For communities:
- Learn about bringing the RECF to your region
- Connect with our Community Outcomes Group
- Access tools and resources in our RECF toolkit
For energy businesses:
- Join our Industry Working Group
- Participate in capability-building workshops
- Commit to better practice in regional engagement
Upcoming events:
- RECF Toolkit launch: July 2025 [date TBC]
- Capability-building training: Dubbo, October 2025