Barrie Harrop

The lack of proper #fauna and #flora studies and inadequate #community #engagement has led to massive opposition against large-scale renewable projects (83% are against these projects in the Have YourSay survey: https://lnkd.in/gp_SCbzC). It should not come as a surprise because altering the #environment and #lifestyle of communities and #FirstNations peoples, and interfering with #nature inevitably triggers backlash. When projects of such magnitude are proposed without thorough consideration of their impact on local #ecosystems and without involving the affected communities in decision-making processes, it disrupts established ways of life. It raises valid concerns about #environmental degradation and loss of #cultural #heritage. This resistance reflects an instinct to protect the #environment and #traditions, especially when they feel their interests and voices are not adequately represented or respected in the planning and implementation of these projects. To address these challenges, The Community Engagement Review led by Andrew Dyer made recommendations including establishing independent rating schemes for #developers, implementing clearer project zoning, and prioritizing genuine community benefit sharing and communication programs, underscoring the crucial role of building trust and integrating community engagement efforts into project development. Coalition for Conservation Inc. Australian Wildlife Conservancy UN Biodiversity The Biodiversity and Climate Change Network (BCCN). United Nations Steven Nowakowski Animals Australia Bush Heritage Australia Landcare Australia American Conservation Coalition Nature Conservation Council NSW Ben Goldsmith

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The Essential Services Commission annual Victorian Energy Market Report, published last week, includes a focus on how energy retailers respond to payment difficulties. The report shows fewer customers being disconnected—a very good thing—but it also shows more people are experiencing financial stress: 🔎 Eight percent of electricity and gas customers missed a bill payment each month in 2023–24. This was an increase of 18,000 electricity and 16,000 gas customers compared to 2022–23. 🔎 Around five percent of electricity and gas customers owed their retailer at least $300 each month in 2023–24. This was an increase of around 20,000 electricity and 14,000 gas customers compared to 2022–23, with more than half not receiving payment difficulty assistance from their retailer. 🔎 While more customers are receiving assistance such as payment plans, almost half exit payment plans due to non-compliance, with great inconsistency across retailers. This data raises questions about the suitability and effectiveness of those payment plans offered by retailers. Energy retailers must provide assistance to residential customers to help them avoid getting into arrears and assist those who are in arrears. It is important that retailers communicate effectively with customers experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills rather than placing too much reliance on disconnection warning notices. The latest data is all on our Energy Market Dashboard: https://lnkd.in/gBDutUxu Victorian Energy Market Report: https://lnkd.in/g3CNvKN3 News Update: https://lnkd.in/gGM8DTAc Also covered by today's The Australian newspaper: https://lnkd.in/gP5iBgfz

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CLOSURES MANIFESTATION OF WEAK BUSINESS ADVOCACY Business Excellence Awardee Methanex New Zealand’s only methanol manufacturer in Taranaki exported 95% of its production Its plants have been moth balled - gone company will sell its gas to Energy Companies Loss of highly skilled diverse 300 workforce significant economic influence on Taranaki lost Here’s the “missed goal kick” now sells gas for more than it could earn making methanol Labour Policy settings since 2018 have not been conducive to sustainable gas supplies at sufficient levels The impact of under-investment and upstream failures is an example of Ineptitude NZ cognitive capabilities are alarmingly poor Meaning the Company’s intellectual functioning perception, attention, A I innovation for aplication of knowledge, to deliver a great aspirational dream Politicians have succeeded again to compromise NZ’s economic prosperity, energy security and ability to deal with economic crises “wellbeing of our people” is Phycological manipulation of truth & good faith Business representative bodies have significant abysmal performance Years of gas lighting their amazing advocating of economic growth sound business practices and influencing government policies has been overstated several key metrics support this 1. The extent to which these bodies influence government policies. Check the tracking adoption & alignment of actions with advocacy and Mission 2. Poor economic monetary capabilities Monitoring economic indicators for advocating productivity & economic growth 4. Failure to effectively engage satisfy member businesses expectations especially those having serious difficulty 5. inept at engineering international FE FDI collaborations, AI Tech uptake manufacturing best practices delivering global competitiveness Business NZ EMA missions Growing NZ Prosperity and Potential (In fact Decades going backwards while international peer’s succeeding) Being champions for ambition achievement acumen, to create greatest growth opportunities for business, Industry and in the case of NZIOD - ‘Good’ (Yes a very poor aspirational vision) governance for a strong New Zealand’ Take any empirical evidence It is clear NZ record is sad abject failure and waste of $100’sK of business stakeholder funding and grants Where are the Industry economic productivity development and education action plans? If advocating has been fantastic why little transformative change Where are the Google Chrome accounts of success acclamations The grave yard of business liquidities failures migration of skills comprise a compelling case for disbandment and reinvention I’m Doug Marsh JP(Rtd) Life Fellow IMNZ, Fellow IoDNZ (Rtd) 40 year Chair Director Experience International Diplomat Founding President Business NZ NZ Past President Inst Management  E: [email protected] #chair’s #managers #ceo #companydirectors #ema #nzinstituteofdirectors #economy

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An article from the Herald on increasing iwi investment in infrastructure that quotes Helmut Modlik from Urban Development Institute of New Zealand UDINZ member Ngati Toa: “Māori investors, including iwi, are increasingly turning their attention to infrastructure projects – and with good reason. This shift is not just a long-term financial strategy, but a move that aligns with Māori aspirations to foster improved social outcomes. Helmut Modlik, chief executive of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, recently told ANZ’s 2024 Māori Investor Forum: “Iwi – by definition – is an intergenerational enterprise – as is infrastructure.” https://lnkd.in/gcvn8aCW

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The opening of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program Grants marks another opportunity to embrace regional opportunities for a community-driven energy future. As we confront the dual challenges of climate change and energy security, this initiative provides a crucial opportunity for regional leaders to rethink how we generate, store, and use energy. But the impact of the energy transition can and should go beyond just the construction of infrastructure—it can represent a shift in how we empower local communities. By strategically aligning these projects with broader regional development goals, we can unlock multiple layers of value: enhancing energy resilience for our communities, fostering economic growth, and supporting social equity. Having advised regional councils and water corporations on complex infrastructure projects, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative potential of well-planned energy/water initiatives. The key lies in a holistic approach—one that integrates robust governance, community/stakeholder engagement, and a long-term vision for sustainable/shared outcomes. I invite regional leaders to think boldly and strategically about how to leverage these grants for maximum impact. Together, we can pave the way for a resilient, prosperous future. #ThoughtLeadership #EnergyTransition #RegionalResilience #StrategicPlanning #Sustainability

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"The government and PLN must ensure that the short-term renewable energy investment plan will actually be executed because there are too many plans that have not been realized," says Managing Director Putra Adhiguna. Energy Shift Institute is calling on the government to turn words into deeds for renewable energy projects, amid efforts to relax domestic component level (or TKDN) regulations. TKDN represents the value of using goods or services sourced within the country. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is aligning policies to separate TKDN rules for renewable projects and components. This is crucial for unlocking stalled international funding. "TKDN can be relaxed with limitations to provide a clearer signal regarding how large the renewable energy projects will be built... There needs to be rigid benchmarks regarding the relaxation to ensure robust renewable energy industries are formed within the country." https://lnkd.in/gxhpiKMp

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our initial thoughts for "Team Australia" on the aftermath post COP29, we'll have a special edition of our international updates and a COP29 Symposium on 5 December “COP29 was imperfect but remarkably, given the global political context, managed achievements including to lay out goals for decarbonisation and resilience investments in developing nations. Notably, after almost 10 years of negotiations, parties delivered Article 6 resolution, agreeing mechanisms for international cooperation through country to country carbon credit trading, new UN backed international carbon market and non-market initiatives,“ https://lnkd.in/gHDDSb8Q

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METHANEX CLOSURE MANIFESTATION OF WEAK BUSINESS ADVOCACY Business Excellence Awardee Methanex New Zealand’s only methanol manufacturer in Taranaki exported 95% of its production Its plants have been moth balled - gone company will sell its gas to Energy Companies Loss of highly skilled diverse 300 workforce significant economic influence on Taranaki lost Here’s the “missed goal kick” now sells gas for more than it could earn making methanol Labour Policy settings since 2018 have not been conducive to sustainable gas supplies at sufficient levels The impact of under-investment and upstream failures is an example of Ineptitude NZ cognitive capabilities are alarmingly poor Meaning the Company’s intellectual functioning perception, attention, A I innovation for aplication of knowledge, to deliver a great aspirational dream Politicians have succeeded again to compromise NZ’s economic prosperity, energy security and ability to deal with economic crises “wellbeing of our people” is Phycological manipulation of truth & good faith Business representative bodies have significant abysmal performance Years of gas lighting their amazing advocating of economic growth sound business practices and influencing government policies has been overstated several key metrics support this 1. The extent to which these bodies influence government policies. Check the tracking adoption & alignment of actions with advocacy and Mission 2. Poor economic monetary capabilities Monitoring economic indicators for advocating productivity & economic growth 4. Failure to effectively engage satisfy member businesses expectations especially those having serious difficulty 5. inept at engineering international FE FDI collaborations, AI Tech uptake manufacturing best practices delivering global competitiveness Business NZ EMA missions Growing NZ Prosperity and Potential (In fact Decades going backwards while international peer’s succeeding) Being champions for ambition achievement acumen, to create greatest growth opportunities for business, Industry and in the case of NZIOD - ‘Good’ (Yes a very poor aspirational vision) governance for a strong New Zealand’ Take any empirical evidence It is clear NZ record is sad abject failure and waste of $100’sK of business stakeholder funding and grants Where are the Industry economic productivity development and education action plans? If advocating has been fantastic why little transformative change Where are the Google Chrome accounts of success acclamations The grave yard of business liquidities failures migration of skills comprise a compelling case for disbandment and reinvention I’m Doug Marsh JP(Rtd) Life Fellow IMNZ, Fellow IoDNZ (Rtd) 40 year Chair Director Experience International Diplomat Founding President Business NZ NZ Past President Inst Management  E: [email protected] #chair’s #managers #ceo #companydirectors #ema #nzinstituteofdirectors #economy

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The outlook for renewable energy is exceedingly promising! Summary: The 2024 edition of GreenCape's annual reports, produced in partnership with the UK's PACT programme, project approximately 32 GW of renewable energy capacity in South Africa by 2030. These reports, available for free download, outline investment opportunities in key renewable energy sectors. Private procurement, led by solar PV, is driving new build renewables, with transmission constraints prompting expansion plans. The reports highlight legislative changes, market opportunities, and the potential for job creation in a shifting energy landscape. https://lnkd.in/eKT8HqDs

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Climate change adaptation is a key theme of the Water and Environment Research Program (WERP) of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. It was an honour to chair the governance panel and present the keynote at the 2024 WERP Science Symposium today, held in Albury on the banks of the beautiful Murray where La Trobe University is lucky to have a campus.   Like water (sometimes through water) climate change impacts seep and flow through our lives and systems. I presented insights from a few of our La Trobe Climate Change Adaptation Lab projects that illustrate the cascading and compounding effects of climate change. I also revisited the 'Critical Breaking Point?' research I led nearly 20 years ago with Birchip Cropping Group (BCG). Initially a short study into farm households' experiences of drought, it stretched into a longitudinal study as the drought went on year after year, before in 2011 it abruptly became also a flood study.   The importance of recognising that we, our research projects and all our partners are enmeshed in the increasingly complex world we are studying is something I am only more passionate about now. It is a perspective that requires a sophisticated social science and soft systems sensibility. As WERP concludes and a new iteration of research for MDBA is developed, it is exciting to not only reflect on its substantial achievements but to help it evolve to face these and other socio-environmental complexities. Thanks to Kevin MACK, Nick Bond, Simon Kerr, and others for organising the day.

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Better for the #environment, better for #business. That's the tagline for the Federal Government's Nature Positive Plan, the result of the Samuel's Review into the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act). Striking the right balance between environmental protection and the other social & economic necessities of life such as delivering adequate housing supply is difficult. But it can be done. As we stand today, one of the biggest handbrakes on delivering #housingsupply is environmental assessment and approvals. Whether its at State or Federal level or a combination of the two - unless we deliver the streamlined reform outcomes promised, the pain we feel now from lack of housing will only be prolonged and perhaps even worse. So it was refreshing to hear Alistair Jones, the Director General of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation speak at today's Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA) industry event to a packed house about the action being taken to deliver on the promises. Along with David McFerran, co-author of the review into the State's environmental processes, assessment and approvals, Dale Newsome from Western Environmental on the risks & opportunities of the Nature Positive reform and Lucy Shea with the legal lens - we were left optimistic that the balance can and will be struck in WA. Many thanks to our event partners, DevelopmentWA, Mirvac and Western Environmental for their support.

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Grants for homes 'save billions on big energy projects' A Clean Energy Council report has found each household should be offered up to $6500 to install grid-connected solar batteries. Supporting households to take up renewable energy generation and storage devices (at the rate recommended by the Australian Energy Market Operator), would save $20 billion otherwise spent on large-scale projects and more than $2 billion on network infrastructure. The report also found failing to adequately support household renewable energy investments could cost the nation more than $22 billion and 18,200 extra jobs by 2050. Interesting report; highlights how much could be saved by focusing on decentralised energy (rooftops not farms on the fringe). Unfortunately, it sends a signal to the market that govt grants are required for batteries to ‘stack up’. This is not the case in a lot of commercial settings; have you explored how a battery could help your business? #renewables #energy #battery #solar #renewableenergy #bess #energystorage

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https://lnkd.in/gGkJjg4c If an Australian startup gets its way, the silver lining in the global solar boom will become a copper one – before reserves of the material run out. SunDrive Solar, backed by investors including Malcolm Turnbull and the billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, is hoping its copper-based solar cell can reach commercial scale through a partnership with Trina Solar, one of the world’s biggest panel producers. Consuming about one-seventh of silver output yearly, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels could account for as much as 98% of world silver reserves on present trends and technology by 2050, University of New South Wales researchers argue.   SunDrive Solar Trinasolar #Copper #solar UNSW Wales   What is next for California Power Grid and Electricity Rate - https://lnkd.in/gHdFzUXT

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https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

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https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

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A new report has estimated that large-scale renewable energy projects will deliver $1 billion to farmers and $200 million to regional communities by 2030. 'The Billions in the bush: Renewable energy for regional prosperity' report, published by the Clean Energy Council and Farmers for Climate Action, shows that farmers are earning a significant income stream from hosting renewable energy projects alongside existing farming activities. The Clean Energy Council said renewables are not only keeping the lights on as coal plants reach the end of their technical life, but they’re also creating jobs and alternative income streams and benefits right across Australian communities. #CostelloGroup #LandAccess #RenewableEnergyProjects

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It is with delight that we can announce that the National Energy Equity Framework is now available for public consultation. The Group of Energy Researchers (GEER) Australia was the consortia that conducted the research and developed the central model in the national framework - the ABATE vulnerability and hardship states model. 🔑 Key to the report is a new model that distinguishes between states of vulnerability and states of hardship - the ABATE framework. 🚢Each state reflects the lived experience of consumers with journey maps included in a separate report . ✅ Energy hardship and vulnerability are not characteristics of a person, they are circumstances. Hardship and vulnerability are not failure of the consumer, they are market failure The GEER consortia was led by Rowan Bedggood with team members Prof. Rebekah Russell-Bennett , Professor Ross Gordon , John Gardner , Dr Kate Letheren , Dr Ryan McAndrew , Henry Adams , Luke Reade and Wendy Miller . The individual reports from our team that contributed to the national framework are available from the government website for download. Access the national framework and reports here: https://lnkd.in/evmaneK2 Energy Queensland , Energy Consumers Australia , ACT Government Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Energy Queensland Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Australian Energy Regulator RACE for 2030

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